Leader of an Armed Gang in Gaza Appeals to the World to Unite Gangs under a Security Apparatus to Overthrow "Hamas"

Translation by SadaNews - The American newspaper Wall Street Journal surprisingly published an article by a leader of an armed gang named Hussam Al-Astal, who leads one of the gangs notorious in the Gaza Strip.

Hussam Al-Astal, a former Palestinian security officer, was recruited by Mossad for his own benefit and participated in the assassination of the Hamas activist, Fadi Al-Batsh, in Malaysia. He directed his article to discuss "Hamas" and the existing gangs.

Al-Astal claimed in his article, as translated by SadaNews, that "Hamas" has become weaker and more fragmented, that its new members lack experience, and that some have defected and joined him, while others have been arrested on both sides of the yellow line, pointing out that the popularity of the movement is declining and weakening within Gaza.

He indicated that four armed gangs operate alongside his gang, all of which work to fight "Hamas", noting that despite the killing of Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of one of those gangs, its strength remains robust and cohesive.

Al-Astal appealed in his article to the United States to bring about change in the Gaza Strip, casting himself and the other gangs as the "new rulers" of Gaza.

He said: "As time goes by, it becomes increasingly clear that our factions must unite under the leadership of a new security apparatus in Gaza... I recommend that our united force submit its report to the peace council of President Trump, and that our people swear not to allow Hamas or any other terrorist organization to regain control of Gaza," according to his statement.

Al-Astal suggested that "Hamas" should be stripped of its power and expelled from Gaza, claiming that "Hamas derives its strength from controlling and extorting the population, and if we eliminate that, it will quickly lose its influence," he added.

He called on the international community to ignore Hamas and start reconstruction and changing lives in eastern Gaza, the area under Israeli control. He said: "The residents of Gaza will then be able to cross the yellow line that separates Hamas from the Israeli army, while the new security force, with the help of international forces, will prevent infiltration or attacks by Hamas."

He continued: "The Gazan families who pay rent to Hamas to set up tents on the ruins of their homes are eagerly longing for an alternative to the corruption of this terrorist organization... When residents begin to express their rejection through migration, Hamas's deception will collapse in front of the international community. Until then, Gaza will remain divided. But once citizens cross the yellow line, Hamas will be forced to admit defeat and surrender its weapons," he stated, as translated by SadaNews.

He added: "If Hamas retains its weapons and a strong security force is not established in Gaza, Hamas will look for an opportunity to regain control. After ousting the international forces, it will return to power, take revenge on its internal opponents, and direct its weapons against Israel again, dragging us all back to hell. This is ingrained in the genes of Hamas, and the residents of Gaza have paid the price with their blood many times," according to him.

He called, with the conclusion of the first phase of Trump's ceasefire plan in Gaza, for the anti-Hamas forces in Gaza to stand united to ensure a permanent positive change in the upcoming phase. He said: "The international community must choose: either support the new power or watch Hamas undermine and obstruct all progress... Mashal can give his speeches from Doha, but here in Gaza, we expect to see him and the Hamas leaders residing in Qatar and Turkey tried in a Gaza court for their crimes against our people. Despite his rule over millions of Gazans for years, his trial will be his second visit to Gaza."

Al-Astal concluded his article, which was published in English, noting that he is proficient in several languages, including Hebrew, saying: "In the meantime, we must ensure that Hamas does not succeed in returning to power through deception. Trump's 20-point plan offers Gaza a real future, and we are ready to turn it into a tangible reality."