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Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) on Friday released a statement claiming that Hamas government officials inside Gaza have instructed civil employees to remain in the northern part of the Strip. The directive, according to COGAT, threatens employees with severe punitive measures if they attempt to leave.
“In an official directive, the Hamas government ordered its employees not to leave northern Gaza for southern Gaza,” the Israeli body stated. “The message threatens punitive measures against employees who attempt to leave the north.”
The alleged order comes amid ongoing fighting and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where many residents have fled to the south in search of safety. Israel has repeatedly urged civilians to evacuate northern areas, citing military operations against Hamas infrastructure.
COGAT emphasized that the letter serves as further evidence of Hamas exploiting civilians, accusing the group of using them as human shields. “This is another example of Hamas prioritizing its goals over the lives and safety of Gaza’s residents,” the statement read.
The document, translated by COGAT, reportedly instructs ministries and government institutions to prevent employees from leaving the north.
“Work to thwart the Zionist enemy’s plans to displace the residents of the Strip,” the letter allegedly reads, adding that “maximum penalties will be taken against employees who violate the instructions, and everyone is subject to legal and administrative responsibility.”
Israel has long accused Hamas of deliberately embedding military operations within civilian infrastructure and preventing evacuations to maintain leverage in the conflict. Hamas has denied such claims, portraying them as part of Israeli psychological warfare.
The release of the directive coincided with remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Friday said Washington was in “very deep” negotiations with Hamas regarding hostages being held in Gaza.
Speaking at an event, Trump stressed the urgency of securing the release of captives. “We said let them all out, right now let them all out. And much better things will happen for them,” he said. “But if you don’t let them all out, it’s going to be a tough situation, it’s going to be nasty.”
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, noting that Hamas was “asking for some things that are fine.” He also admitted that “of the 20 people, there could be some who recently died,” though he did not specify further.
The intersection of these developments highlights the fragile and tense atmosphere surrounding the ongoing conflict. While Israel continues to press its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, efforts to secure the release of hostages remain at the center of international attention.
COGAT’s disclosure of the Hamas directive will likely deepen scrutiny of the group’s internal governance and tactics, particularly amid accusations of endangering civilians for political and military gain.
Meanwhile, Trump’s comments suggest the United States is positioning itself as a key broker in potential hostage agreements, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.