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Rival Hamas Factions Debate Movement's Future

(Jerusalem Strategic Tribune) Ehud Yaari - Hamas is no longer a cohesive organization with a clear chain of command and a formidable armed wing. Rival groups around Khaled Mash'al and Khalil al-Hayeh squabble fiercely among themselves, seeking to fill the vacuum created by the demise of well-entrenched leaders. The internal debates focus on conclusions to be derived from the aftermath of Oct. 7, the disintegration of the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance, and the catastrophe that befell the population of Gaza. From Hamas's perspective in hindsight, the surprise attack on Oct. 7 managed to exact a huge loss of lives in Israel and the abduction of 255 hostages. But the Iranians and their proxies didn't join in with all their capabilities, allowing the IDF to concentrate on defeating Hamas. The West Bank population didn't rise up in arms against Israel. Despite initial success, the war did not unfold as planned. The faction led by former Hamas chairman Khaled Mash'al argues that Hamas is no longer capable of ruling over Gaza, and should pay the price now in the hope of recovery later. The other faction, represented by al-Hayeh, angrily rejects these proposals. They argue that playing the "hostages card" smartly will allow Hamas to achieve the full withdrawal of the IDF and ultimately to maintain its exclusive control over Gaza. The writer is chief Middle East commentator of Israel's Channel 12 and an international fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
2025-07-22 00:00:00
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