Although Israel’s military forces have withdrawn their tanks and warplanes from Gaza, the conflict’s devastation continues to unfold. Tens of thousands have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands of residences lie in ruins, and nearly two million individuals have been displaced. Yet, the gravest threat may still be looming, as Israel plans to perpetuate the conflict through alternative means that no longer require direct military engagement.
In the aftermath of widespread destruction, a troubling new dynamic is emerging within Gaza. Various armed factions are taking advantage of the breakdown in social order and the escalating hardships faced by the population. These groups, once heralded as defenders against occupation, are increasingly turning their aggression inward. Instead of uniting to protect their homeland, they are using violence to assert dominance, transforming Palestinian suffering into leverage for political and factional advantage. Gaza, historically isolated and under siege, was once relatively secure from internal violence; the primary fear was Israeli airstrikes, not threats from within the community. Today, however, fear emanates both from external occupation and internal strife.
The assassination of journalist Saleh Aljafarawi in Gaza’s Sabra district starkly illustrates this dangerous shift. At 28, Aljafarawi had courageously reported on Israeli actions in Gaza and endured numerous death threats. His killing, occurring shortly after the ceasefire, was not carried out by Israeli forces but by Palestinian gunmen. This tragic event reveals how the conflict persists through internal divisions: Israel’s strategy has effectively pitted Palestinians against one another, fueling a cycle of violence and mistrust that perpetuates occupation even without a visible military presence.
Israel’s approach follows a long-standing colonial tactic: divide and conquer. A society fractured by internal conflict is less capable of mounting a unified resistance. By encouraging the rise of armed militias, Israel simultaneously weakens Palestinian solidarity and lessens the operational demands on its own military. This strategy allows Israel to avoid direct confrontation and international condemnation while Gaza continues to suffer from internal bloodshed.
The militias now instilling fear across Gaza are not protectors of the Palestinian people but rather collaborators advancing Israel’s agenda under a different guise. These groups gained influence during the conflict, operating in spaces where Israel could not act overtly. However, history shows that those Palestinians who align with the occupier are ultimately expendable. Once their usefulness ends, collaborators are often abandoned, disarmed, or eliminated, losing both respect and protection. Those who turn their weapons on their own communities may feel empowered temporarily, but they inevitably face rejection-from their people, from history, and even from the occupier who once exploited them.
The ramifications for Palestinians are dire. Genuine liberation cannot be founded on intimidation and internal violence. When resistance blurs into oppression, it loses its legitimacy. The Palestinian struggle has always transcended mere survival; it embodies the pursuit of dignity, justice, and freedom. These ideals cannot thrive in a society where citizens live in fear not only of foreign air raids but also of armed factions terrorizing their neighborhoods for personal or political gain. The region’s past offers cautionary tales-from Lebanon to Iraq-where external powers have manipulated militias to fracture societies. Such forces rarely serve the people’s interests, instead prioritizing factional dominance, self-enrichment, or allegiance to foreign sponsors.
Palestinians now face a critical and existential challenge: preventing Gaza from descending into a territory governed by militias rather than united by a shared vision of liberation. Achieving this demands a resolute civilian commitment to reject the legitimacy of armed groups, political leaders who prioritize national unity over factional disputes, and international recognition that occupation inflicts harm not only through military means but also by dismantling social cohesion and fostering internal conflict.
The resilience and bravery of Gaza’s population have been remarkable. They have withstood siege, relentless bombardment, and mass displacement. They should not be subjected to the indignity of rule by armed gangs pursuing their own agendas under the guise of representing the people. The strength of the Palestinian cause has always rested on its moral clarity-a people’s unwavering demand for freedom against overwhelming odds. This clarity must not be compromised by those who replace solidarity with fear and justice with domination.
Israel may seek to continue its conflict indirectly, envisioning a Gaza where Palestinians are divided and fighting amongst themselves rather than resisting occupation. Yet, Palestinians retain the power to choose a different path. They can reject militia rule and affirm that their cause transcends factionalism, standing firm on principles rather than power struggles. The greatest threat today is not only the external military assaults but the erosion of the core of Palestinian nationalism: the belief that liberation must be inclusive and never come at the expense of freedom or human dignity.
