After 16 years, Hamas has ‘lost control’ of Gaza: Israel defence minister

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday said Hamas has "lost control" of the Gaza Strip it has ruled for 16 years.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday said Hamas has "lost control" of the Gaza Strip it has ruled for 16 years.

This picture taken from a position near Sderot along the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip on November 13, 2023, shows flares dropped by Israeli forces above the Palestinian territory amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Hamas movement. (AFP)

"Hamas has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing southward. Civilians are looting Hamas bases," he said without providing evidence. "They don't have faith in the government anymore," Gallant added in a video broadcast on Israel's main TV stations.