“But it was the accepted authority in Gaza.”

Opinion | Israel Is Making Sure There Is No One to Document the Horror of Its War

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has vowed to keep fighting until his country has decisively defeated Hamas, the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, by stripping it of its military and governing capabilities and forcing it to disarm.”

Israel’s Push for a Permanent Gaza Deal May Mean a Longer War, Experts Say

“the establishment of an alternative civilian administration there that involves neither Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, the rival, Western-backed body that exercises limited control in parts of the occupied West Bank. Mr. Netanyahu said the move would “assure our security,” remove Hamas from power and enable the transfer of the civilian administration of Gaza to another party.”

Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Military Takeover of Gaza

“Israel cut off all aid for Gaza, a move that Israeli officials said was taken to pressure Hamas into making concessions in cease-fire talks.”

Israel Says More Aid Is Entering Gaza, but Relief Groups Warn of Bottlenecking

“Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades”

Israel Links Deadly Hospital Attack in Gaza to Hamas Surveillance Camera