"The sense of security has decreased": Residents of the Gaza envelope fear the strengthening of Hamas

Ilanit Siyusa, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, said today (Thursday) in an interview with Walla: "In recent times, residents have begun returning to Kfar Aza. The only factor for people returning is security; I do not currently see the restoration of the sense of security."

"We fear the strengthening of Hamas, and we expect the army to act on the matter. There are those who have not yet returned to Kfar Aza, and I am among them, as due to all the recent reports, there is a fear of returning at the moment," she added.

Yael Raz-Lahiani, a resident of Nahal Oz who returned to her home, said: "We returned to a reality where things happen. The residents' sense of security is decreasing; on one hand, there is a reduction in military forces, and on the other, the strengthening of Hamas."

"It seems as if we are heading in a bad direction. Am I afraid that there will be another October 7th? Probably not. But if there will be an infiltration of terrorists into the community in the future? It is possible. Our sense of security has not risen since October 7th. I hoped that after 3 years we would have a different feeling."

Yesterday, the chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, Knesset member Avigdor Lieberman, attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Kerem Shalom crossing regarding the entry of aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, claiming that Israel is surrendering to the dictates of the United States regarding this, and in general regarding the government's decision-making.

"We are in a complete return to the same concept and containment that brought us to the October 7th massacre. Netanyahu has given up independence in security decision-making. Israel currently cannot move a pin without coordinating it with the United States - this is simply bankruptcy."