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An expert on Hamas\u2019s economy says Gaza\u2019s civilian outflow is now a strategic problem for the terror group. As morale sinks and costs spike, more residents are leaving, diminishing Hamas\u2019s leverage.<\/p>\n
A growing wave of departures from Gaza City<\/a>, driven by collapsing morale and fear of having nothing to return to, is eroding a core pillar of Hamas\u2019s war strategy, Hamas economy expert Eyal Ofer told Maariv<\/em> on Monday.<\/p>\n He said the shift is unfolding across Gaza<\/a> as families weigh repeated evacuations, widespread destruction, and price shocks that make staying untenable.<\/p>\n Over the past two years, many Gaza City residents have traced the same route three times, Ofer said, moving from Gaza to Rafah, back to Gaza, and now again south. Unlike the early wartime flight and the relief felt by some who returned during January\u2019s hostage deal, he said, part of the population has reached a breaking point.<\/p>\n As evidence, Ofer cited sharp spikes in moving costs reported on Gaza Telegram and X channels. Truck fees from the Rimal neighborhood<\/a> to the south have jumped to 3,000\u20134,000 shekels, up from about 1,500 shekels only days earlier, he said.<\/p>\n Residents pointed to fuel prices to explain the surge, Ofer noted. With a liter of fuel near 100 shekels and a round trip requiring hours and about 10 liters, fuel alone can cost roughly 1,000 shekels. In the south, apartments are scarce and expensive, with some listings at 8,000 shekels a month and plots for tents reaching 1,000 shekels.<\/p>\n