Hamas, the Gaza-based Islamist group, is now turning its focus on internal conflicts with the Palestinian Authority (PA) amid ongoing heavy losses in its war against Israel. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, the group has lost over half its fighters since the war began, leading to a struggle to maintain dominance in Gaza while simultaneously clashing with the PA, which governs much of the West Bank.
The escalating conflict between Hamas and the PA has become particularly evident throughout December. As Hamas faces increasing pressure from Israeli forces, which claim significant operational successes, the group appears to be redirecting some of its energy toward undermining its Palestinian rival. The PA, though politically weaker in Gaza, has long maintained authority in the West Bank, making it a key player in any potential resolution of the broader conflict.
Hamas’s challenges come at a time when external pressures are mounting. The potential for a renewed peace negotiation is looming, particularly with the incoming Trump administration signaling its intention to pursue diplomatic pathways. However, the fracturing dynamics between Hamas and the PA may complicate any talks, as unity within Palestinian leadership has historically been a critical factor in negotiations.
While Israel has emphasized its efforts to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and leadership, the group’s internal struggles with the PA highlight a deepening fragmentation within Palestinian political entities. Analysts suggest that these internal divisions could further weaken the prospects of a cohesive Palestinian strategy in the face of international pressures for peace.
The intensifying rivalry between Hamas and the PA raises significant questions about the future of governance in both Gaza and the West Bank. With the dual pressures of external military campaigns and internal political fragmentation, the region’s path forward remains uncertain. The world watches closely as these developments unfold, shaping the contours of a conflict that continues to reverberate far beyond the borders of Gaza and the West Bank.
