Which militant or political group is widely recognized as controlling Gaza?

• A. Hamas
• B. Fatah
• C. Islamic Jihad
• D. Palestinian Authority

Answer: (A)

Hamas has acted as the governing authority in the Gaza Strip since 2007, after winning the 2006 Palestinian elections and then taking control from Fatah in fighting that year. Because it runs Gaza’s government ministries, security forces, and civil services, it is widely recognized as the main power in that territory. Fatah and the Palestinian Authority administer the West Bank, not Gaza, so they aren’t the group in charge there. Islamic Jihad operates as a militant faction within Gaza but does not run the territory. The Palestinian Authority is the semi-autonomous body that governs parts of the West Bank, not Gaza. So the reason Hamas is the best answer is that it is the de facto ruler of Gaza’s institutions and daily life, distinguishing it from the other groups.