The leadership of Hamas has confirmed it is reviewing a proposal from its armed wing that suggests creating a political and security vacuum in Gaza as a way of dealing with the inhuman conditions there.

After some Hamas members initially professed no knowledge of the plan’s existence, Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, confirmed Aug. 15 that the Hamas leadership was carefully reviewing the plan and would make a decision accordingly.

Under the proposal, Hamas would give up its role of managing the Gaza Strip, and civil police would continue to provide the services assigned to it. This is while Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades and other undetermined Palestinian military wings would control the security situation on the ground in the Gaza Strip.

The plan comes in answer to the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority’s (PA) tightening of sanctions imposed on Gaza since June, and Hamas’ inability to fill the deficit resulting from the sanctions. The sanctions cut Gaza civil servants’ salaries, shut off funds to serve ministries such as the Ministry of Health and ended payment for fuel to run the Gaza power plant.