Making inroads in the Gaza Strip. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. (Photo: Flash90)
Palestinian journalist Khaled Abu Toameh reports that heads of local clans in the Gaza Strip have switched allegiance to the Palestinian Authority instead of Hamas, while rejecting Israel's post-war plans for the Strip.
According to Abu Toameh, and based on Palestinian sources, the PA is also pressuring the clans to not cooperate with the IDF, even in distributing humanitarian aid.
These developments come amid reports of weakening Hamas authority, even in the areas under its military control such as Rafah.
Mobs of civilians looting aid trucks and major protests against price gougers without Hamas authorities able or willing to impose law and order may have created an opening for the PA to increase its influence in the war-torn Strip.