Testimonies from Gaza: "Hamas is recruiting teenagers with Kalashnikovs for money"
Exclusive: Gazans reveal how the terrorist organization is reasserting control, using hospitals as headquarters and suppressing dissent. Residents testify that Hamas has no intention of disarming and continues to intimidate the population.
Only a week has passed since the ceasefire in Gaza, and the vision of dismantling Hamas's military capabilities already appears unrealistic. Under the cover of the lull, the terrorist organization is regrouping. Despite the risks, Gazans spoke to N12 about what the organization is trying to hide.
Recruitment of teenagers
Following the halt in airstrikes, young men aged 18–20 have emerged on the streets carrying Kalashnikovs. "They wear civilian clothes and masks," said A., a resident of Gaza. "Hamas is recruiting teenagers who need money, offering them 600–700 shekels."
Residents report that Hamas continues to enforce fear to suppress any sign of resistance. "Anyone who opposes them—whether by posting on social media or shouting in the street—faces masked men who immediately open fire," A. added.
Control and intimidation
M. from Gaza stated that operatives in civilian clothing manage interrogation centers and command posts located within hospital complexes. They patrol the streets, monitoring the population to prevent any potential uprising.
The disarmament question
Few in Gaza believe in the prospect of a demilitarized strip. Husam al-Astal, commander of an armed militia in Khan Yunis, emphasized: "I am sure Hamas will not hand over its weapons. If they did, it wouldn't be Israel or our forces that kill them; it would be the people themselves, because of the suffering they have caused."
M. added that Hamas is merely stalling: "They might stage a show for the media, handing over 500 rifles out of tens of thousands, but they are liars. They have entangled us in wars and death."
Financial extortion
To rebuild its power, Hamas relies on extorting citizens. Husam al-Astal describes Hamas members as thieves: "They collect taxes from people, taking between 18% and 40% of their income. Merchants are forced to pay; if they refuse, they face imprisonment, humiliation, and torture. The entire Strip knows Hamas is a government of extortion. They do not care about the people."
Hamas remains the governing power in Gaza and shows no signs of stepping down.
