Hamas attempts to gain control over Judea and Samaria amid PA's crisis

In a context involving ongoing tensions between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA), on August 25, 2025, Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy leader of the PA, publicly criticized Hamas for its actions in Gaza, calling for a reevaluation of its policies. This criticism comes as the PA has depended on Israeli support to maintain stability in Judea and Samaria, where Hamas attempts to undermine the PA, similar to its takeover in Gaza in 2007. Despite this public opposition, the PA's leadership often engages in a 'double game,' cooperating with Israel while also criticizing it internationally and domestically. Meir Ben-Shabbat, Israel’s former National Security Adviser, emphasized the hollow nature of the PA’s critique, indicating that it aims to differentiate itself from Hamas amid rising popularity of the latter among Palestinians. The PA’s reliance on Israel for its survival raises questions about its ability to govern effectively without external support. This dynamic of political rivalry reveals deeper societal divisions and underscores the delicate balance of power in Palestinian politics. Furthermore, the international community’s push to recognize a Palestinian state has been characterized as detrimental to the PA, providing Hamas with unearned political leverage. Hamas leaders view international recognition of a Palestinian state as a reward for their militant efforts, framing it as a byproduct of their recent military operations. This situation complicates the PA’s standing, as it navigates both internal conflicts and external pressures. In this context, the PA's appeal to the international community not only risks legitimizing Hamas further but also intertwines Palestinian governance with militant ideologies. Ultimately, the precarious state of the PA, characterized by financial dependence, ideological limitations, and failing public support, poses serious questions about its future governance and the potential for Hamas to establish itself more firmly in Judea and Samaria. With the potential power struggle intensifying amidst the backdrop of both local popularity for Hamas and increasing international recognition efforts, the political landscape remains uncertain and volatile, with implications for not only Israeli-Palestinian relations but also for regional stability in general.