HAMAS RE-ESTABLISHES CONTROL IN GAZA

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 000179

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR SHAPIRO/PASCUAL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2024
TAGS: KWBG PGOV PREL PTER PHUM KPAL IS
SUBJECT: HAMAS RE-ESTABLISHES CONTROL IN GAZA

REF: JERUSALEM 163

Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary. Gaza contacts told PolOffs January 21-22
that Hamas remains in control of the Gaza Strip, opening
public offices, restarting limited services, and deploying
security forces in the streets. Contacts said Gazans are
able to move freely and stores are open, but many are still
homeless and do not have cash to buy needed goods. Hamas
spokesmen said publicly that Gaza offices will reopen by
January 24 and that Hamas will continue to provide services
despite the damage. End Summary.

HAMAS IN CONTROL OF GAZA CITY
AFTER ISRAELI OPERATION
--------------


2. (C) Amani al-Kirim, Office Director for the former Gaza
City Governor Muhammad al-Qidwa, told PolOff January 21 that
Hamas has re-established control of the Gaza Strip.
Personnel returned to remaining government buildings the day
that the IDF withdrew, she said, and Hamas executive force
officers are back patrolling the streets. She said the
Executive Force controls the entrances to al-Shifa Hospital
and checks everyone entering. Life in Gaza City is
stabilizing, al-Kirim said; stores are open and goods are
available for purchase, although very few are yet venturing
out to shop. She said the Hamas-controlled ministries
ordered offices and schools to reopen by January 24.
Al-Kirim commented that IDF operations led to death and
destruction, but no real change.

HAMAS IN CONTROL AS SOUTHERN
GAZA TOWNS BEGIN RECOVERY
--------------


3. (C) The Mayor of Abasan al-Jadida, Abdul Rauf Asfur, told
PolOff January 21 that Hamas is retaking control. He said
there is limited police presence in the village of Abasan
al-Jadida (pop. 8,000),but Force is visible in nearby Bani
Suhaylah. He said stores are open, but the shortage of cash
prevents Gazans from purchasing necessities. Asfur said the
Municipality reopened January 20 and is conducting a damage
assessment in order to start rebuilding homes and public
buildings.


4. (C) The Mayor of Abasan al-Kabira, Mustafa al-Shawwaf,
told PolOff January 22 that he and his constituents had hoped
the cease-fire would include the opening of the Gaza
crossings. However, the siege remains and Hamas is still in
power. Al-Shawwaf said Abasan al-Kabira's residents are
grateful for USAID support and hope more aid is forthcoming.


5. (C) The Mayor of al-Qarrara, Eid Sulayman Abdullah, told
PolOff January 22 that Gazans are unhappy" with Israel and
Hamas for recent hostilities. The Executive Force is
operating out of a tent near the destroyed police
headquarters in al-Qarrara, he said. He said people are able
to move freely around town, but most are staying home.
Abdullah said Gazans are still suffering from the cold,
damaged houses, and fear of additional Israeli attacks.

REOPENING OFFICES, SCHOOLS
TO FACILITATE RETURN TO NORMALCY
--------------


6. (C) Gaza-based Hamas spokesman Tahir al-Nunu announced
that "ministries" in Gaza would reopen January 21, and
Secretary of the "cabinet" Muhammad Awad said employees are
expected to report for work as of January 24. Al-Nunu said
the quick return would facilitate the resumption of normal
life and the beginning of reconstruction in Gaza. He added
that Hamas will carry out its "responsibilities" to Gazans
despite the destruction of many buildings by IDF operations.

WALLES