There is currently talk about reshaping the Palestinian government in preparation for governing Gaza after the war ceasefire, which U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned, while eating ice cream, is nearing amid intensive negotiations for a ceasefire. Honestly, I cannot believe that "Hamas" is ready to concede control of Gaza so easily, despite all that is being reported from some affiliated with the Ikhwan (Muslim Brotherhood) movement in the media, especially with the contradictory statements from "Hamas" throughout the war.
Our newspaper reported yesterday from sources in Ramallah and Gaza that the step to reshape the Palestinian government came amid preliminary understandings with "Hamas," indicating that the movement does not want nor is thinking about ruling the Gaza Strip after the war, and that it is prepared to accept a government of experts. The newspaper also quoted a responsible source in Ramallah stating, "They (Hamas) can no longer rule Gaza, and they know that very well. They do not want to rule it."
Despite all these statements, I say: "I do not believe it"; not out of pessimism, but because "Hamas" has become "Hamasat," and is no longer a singular "Hamas." There is "Hamas" in the trenches in Gaza, said to be disconnected from communication, led by Yahya Sinwar. There is "Hamas" in Qatar, where Khaled Mashal and Ismail Haniya are, and another in Lebanon with Osama Hamdan, along with others in Turkey, not to mention those in the southern suburbs.
I am convinced that there are other leaderships hiding and will appear later, as they believe the time is not right for visibility, awaiting the outcome of the war in Gaza, and the fate of Sinwar and his surroundings, especially since many among the Hamas members are waiting for the distribution of the inheritance and the succession of Sinwar; the living dead man. We must not forget that there are Iranian affiliates, both old and new, who are waiting for the opportunity, as Tehran also does not want to easily lose the Gaza front, just as the supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Turkey would not accept the loss of that front which they have long milked for popular support.
When I say that I do not believe "Hamas" will easily leave the rule of Gaza to the authority, this does not mean that the movement is strong, but rather because it is already divided due to longstanding and well-known disputes with Sinwar, and now the war in Gaza has further increased that division, not weakness; as destruction is easier.
Therefore, "Hamas" may bend to the storm, even with statements, but I doubt that it will easily respond to the Palestinian Authority, especially since we have recently observed an exchange of media fire between "Hamas" and the authority, amidst blame and skepticism. Perhaps "Hamas" is now trying to absorb the anger of the Gazans out of concern for the ceasefire and to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and after that comes the challenges of reconstruction, which is difficult to gather as long as "Hamas" remains in control.
Moreover, there is no serious Israeli commitment regarding the ceasefire, especially since Israeli sources tell ABC News that Netanyahu "was surprised by President Biden's announcement regarding the near achievement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza." There is also a lack of seriousness regarding Netanyahu's positions, who is working to prolong his political life and avoid imprisonment, and perhaps seizing the opportunity to open a front in Lebanon, rather than concluding agreements and achieving solutions. This is the reality, though it is frustrating, and the days will clarify the truths.
