Saturday, September 20, 2025

Israeli Control of Gaza 9-20-25

As of September 2025, Hamas does not control a quantifiable number of square miles in the Gaza Strip in the same way a state controls territory. Instead, control is contested and described through Israeli military advances and Hamas's continued presence in smaller pockets.  

Key points on the current control situation:

  • Largely collapsed control: A July 2025 Wikipedia report citing unnamed sources indicates that Hamas's overall control has largely collapsed, with up to 80% of the Gaza Strip outside of its authority. Other reports from that time describe criminal gangs and armed groups filling the security vacuum.
  • Contested areas remain: Despite Israeli claims of significant military control (approximately 75% of the Strip as of August 2025), Hamas and other armed groups continue to resist and operate.
  • Focus on Gaza City: In early September 2025, the Israeli military reported controlling about half of Gaza City (7.7 square miles) and indicated that roughly 20 square kilometers (about 40% of the city) remained to be fully secured.
  • No central authority: The overall situation is one of contested and fragmented control rather than a stable, demarcated territory held by any single group. 

As of September 2025, Hamas does not control a single contiguous territory in the Gaza Strip, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has taken military control of approximately 75% of the area. While Hamas's de facto governmental control has collapsed, the group still operates as an insurgent force within the enclave. 

Based on recent military updates and reports, here is the breakdown of the situation:

  • Widespread disruption: The IDF's extensive military operation since late 2023 has shattered Hamas's governing and military capabilities across most of Gaza. In areas formerly under Hamas control, criminal gangs and armed groups have emerged to fill the security vacuum.
  • Targeting Gaza City: As of early September 2025, the Israeli military has focused its efforts on seizing control of Gaza City. A senior Israeli official noted on September 3, 2025, that half of Gaza City was under IDF control, with the remaining area of approximately 7.7 square miles (20 square kilometers) still being contested.
  • Continued insurgency: Despite losing control over specific territories, Hamas retains the ability to operate as an insurgent group, conducting military actions and holding hostages.
  • Loss of leadership: The group's former leaders in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar, were killed in 2024 and 2025, respectively, further disrupting Hamas's command structure.
  • Gaza's total area: The entire Gaza Strip spans approximately 141 square miles (365 square kilometers). Israel’s claimed control of 75% of this territory significantly reduces any remaining contiguous areas under Hamas's influence. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+square+miles+does+Hamas+control+in+Gaza+today+2025

Based on reports from September 2025, estimates of Hamas fighters remaining in Gaza vary widely, but sources indicate the number could be between 16,000 and 20,000. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+hamas+fighters+are+left+in+gaza+today+2025

Comments

Hamas operates in 7.7 square miles or about 25% of Gaza.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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