IDF testing how Palestinian clans could control Gaza's civilian affairs

• Published date: 08 March 2024
• Author: SETH J. FRANTZMAN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

This is one of the stories that has emerged because of an absence of a civilian authority to control parts of Gaza. Israel has preferred not to have the Palestinian Authority move into areas in Gaza where Hamas is now weak, and it's not clear whether the PA would agree to work with Israel in this respect anyway

This leaves few options in Gaza, in terms of controlling civilian areas. The IDF has preferred not to run civilian affairs in Gaza. That means that where there are civilians, they are generally separated from the IDF, and the IDF does not seek to control communities over the long term. So who will control these areas?

In northern Gaza there are around 300,000 Gazans. While Hamas is defeated on the surface, it continues to have elements among the population. Many people fear creating an alternative to Hamas, because they think Hamas will return and enact revenge.

The only powerful groups that might provide a shield against Hamas atrocities in the future are large clans, because even Hamas fears angering large families that have influence and power, and may have weapons as well.

We reported yesterday that the IDF has begun taking steps to test the rule of local Gazan clans in the Gaza Strip after Hamas is destroyed, according to a report by London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat on Saturday. Back in January another report said that Israel was looking into the idea of having clans administer some areas. This dovetails with the idea of having humanitarian pockets or bubbles in Gaza. However, as the stampede near the trucks last Thursday in Gaza illustrated, no such plan has materialized.

Can clans be good partners in Gaza?

Clans and tribes played a key role in Iraq after the US toppled the Saddam regime. They also helped in some cases to defeat the extremist insurgency that emerged between 2005 and 2008. This "Sunni awakening" movement took place in western Iraq in Anbar province.

Without going into all the details, it's clear that clans and tribes were a viable alternative, but it doesn't work in the long term. When ISIS turned up in Iraq in 2014, it easily pushed aside Sunni clans and tribes. Some held on, such as the Jughayfa tribe in Haditha and the large Shammar tribe in Iraq and Syria.

In general, tribes and clans are important, but they are not a substitute for a state or even state-like structures. They also do not weather the storm when push comes to shove. They tend to thrive when there is a severe power vacuum and people turn to...