In the days leading up to June 26, social media platforms carried growing calls for demonstrations against Hamas, with many of the messages circulating through accounts linked to the Fatah movement.
The campaign urged Gaza residents to protest worsening humanitarian conditions, ongoing hardships caused by the war, and the lack of progress toward the second phase of ceasefire-related negotiations.
Organizers also directed criticism at Hamas’s leadership, accusing it of contributing to the crisis facing the territory.
Hamas Moves Quickly to Prevent Unrest
As the planned protest date approached, Hamas reportedly intensified efforts to discourage public demonstrations.
According to reports, the group increased its security presence throughout Gaza and publicized the execution of individuals accused of collaborating with Israel, a move widely interpreted as a warning to potential dissenters.
At the same time, Hamas promoted its own demonstrations, encouraging residents to protest against Israel and former UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov over stalled negotiations.
Israeli military assessments also suggested Hamas encouraged gatherings near the border area known in Israel as the Yellow Line.
Streets Remain Quiet Despite Online Campaign
Despite widespread online promotion, the planned anti-Hamas demonstrations failed to gain visible momentum on the ground.
Israeli military officials assessed that Hamas’s deployment of armed security personnel across major streets and intersections discouraged many residents from participating.
The absence of significant public protests highlighted the difficulties of organizing open opposition within the territory under current conditions.
Israeli Assessment Points to Hamas’s Continued Authority
Israeli officials argue the outcome demonstrates that Hamas continues to exercise firm control over Gaza despite years of conflict.
According to the Israeli military’s assessment, the group has maintained its governing structure and security apparatus even after prolonged military operations.
Officials also noted that previous attempts by armed Bedouin groups to challenge Hamas’s authority, alongside Israeli air and ground operations, have not displaced the organization from power.
This assessment reflects the Israeli military’s view of the situation and remains part of a broader debate over governance and public sentiment inside Gaza.
Reconstruction Plans Face Fresh Questions
The lack of public opposition to Hamas has also prompted renewed discussion over future reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Israeli officials contend that rebuilding infrastructure while Hamas remains in control could inadvertently strengthen the group’s administrative and military capabilities.
They argue that reconstruction resources could ultimately reinforce Hamas’s governing institutions and security forces unless accompanied by broader political changes.
Supporters of reconstruction, however, have generally maintained that rebuilding civilian infrastructure is essential to addressing humanitarian needs, while debates continue over how aid can be delivered without benefiting armed groups.
IDF Expands Operational Footprint
The developments come as Israeli military operations continue across large areas of Gaza.
According to Israeli reports, the Israel Defense Forces now control roughly 70 percent of the territory following extensive engineering operations aimed at locating and dismantling militant infrastructure above and below ground while increasing the distance between Israeli communities and potential threats near the border.
Military operations have continued through a combination of airstrikes, ground manoeuvres and efforts to prevent attempts to breach the border zone.
Contingency Plans Prepared if Talks Collapse
Israeli military leaders have also continued planning for the possibility that negotiations with Hamas fail to produce an agreement.
Reports indicate that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has approved operational plans presented by Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor for a renewed military campaign should mediation efforts reach an impasse and Hamas refuse to disarm.
While diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, Israeli officials say military preparedness continues alongside negotiations as uncertainty over the conflict’s next phase persists.
