Hamas Retains Full Control of Gaza, Expert Warns Israeli Withdrawal Impossible Without Military Dismantlement

"Hamas still controls GAZA."Executive Director of the Misgav Institute Asher Fredman argues Israel cannot withdraw while Hamas remains in control and continues rebuilding its military capabilities.@fredman_a https://t.co/1XKqrvp99y News Analysis & Summary According to Asher Fredman, Executive Director of the Misgav Institute, the claim that Hamas has been weakened is dangerously misleading. Despite years of Israeli military operations, Hamas not only maintains its political and administrative grip on the Gaza Strip but is actively rebuilding its military infrastructure, including rocket arsenals, tunnel networks, and command structures. Fredman argues that any Israeli withdrawal under current conditions would be tantamount to handing victory to the terrorist organization, enabling it to regroup and launch more devastating attacks. In my opinion, this assessment underscores a harsh reality: military campaigns that fail to permanently degrade an enemys governing capacity and military capability are merely temporary pauses in a cycle of violence. A sustainable solution requires either a complete dismantling of Hamas's military wing and administrative control, or a credible alternative governance structureneither of which currently exists. The international community often pressures Israel for ceasefires, but without addressing the root problem of Hamas's entrenched control, such ceasefires only buy time for Hamas to rearm. Fredman's warning is a sobering reminder that strategic clarity must replace wishful thinking. Source: @AlArabiya_Eng on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 2,688 Likes: 5 Comments: 1 Shares: 3 Published: July 2, 2026, 7:35 pm