Hamas Reasserts Control as Ceasefire Takes Hold
Just days after a historic ceasefire agreement was announced, Hamas fighters have returned to the streets of Gaza in a dramatic show of force that contradicts their commitment to disarmament. Masked gunmen in police uniforms are now openly patrolling parts of Gaza City, marking a significant shift from the group's underground operations during the recent conflict.
Trump's Surprising Endorsement
In an unexpected development, US President Donald Trump acknowledged Hamas's renewed presence during a press conference aboard Air Force One. 'We know that Hamas is rearming itself,' Trump stated, adding that Washington had given the group 'temporary permission' to maintain internal security. The president described Gaza as 'literally destroyed' and emphasized the need for returning residents to feel safe.
This acknowledgment is particularly striking given that Trump's own peace plan calls for Hamas's complete disarmament and dismantlement. The 20-point agreement that Hamas has accepted includes provisions for 'disarmament under the supervision of independent observers' and promises 'amnesty or free passage abroad' for members who surrender their weapons.
Internal Power Struggles Intensify
Behind the relative calm in Gaza lies increasing tension between Hamas and armed clans, one of the key reasons the group is resisting full disarmament despite international pressure. Hamas senior official Basem Naim told Sky News Qatar that the movement would only lay down its weapons 'when we are certain this will lead to an independent, self-determining state that can defend itself.'
Naim's words gained additional weight when it was revealed Sunday that his son had been killed during fighting in Gaza City. According to the Hamas-affiliated Quds network, he was shot in the head by members of the influential Doghmush clan. Popular video journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was also fatally wounded in the violence.
At least 27 people died in Sunday's intense fighting between Hamas and Doghmush family members, according to Gaza's Interior Ministry. Eight Hamas members were killed alongside nineteen clan members.
Uncertain Transition Period
According to the American plan, members of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) should temporarily administer Gaza, trained by Jordan and Egypt, until a reformed Palestinian police force is established. However, experts warn that implementing this plan could take months. 'The deployment of sufficient troops will become a huge logistical challenge,' wrote think tank Chatham House last week.
Until that power transfer is arranged, Hamas is filling the void. The movement has maintained an iron grip on Gaza for decades with an extensive civil and military administration. Nevertheless, Hamas's authority is eroding, particularly in the south where groups like the Popular Forces openly oppose the organization and claim they can better protect humanitarian aid.
A Fragile Peace
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 67,800 people have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, including over 20,000 children. While the prisoner exchange and ceasefire continue to hold, new power dynamics appear to be emerging.
Whether Hamas will actually surrender its weapons and make way for an international police force remains uncertain. For now, the group is once again patrolling the streets, in the name of order - a goal with which the movement will try to secure its role in Gaza's future.