As a ceasefire brought a moment of tranquility to the battered cities of Gaza, the militant group Hamas quickly returned to the forefront. After enduring a grueling 15 months of conflict with Israel, the organization remains in power, having emerged unscathed from what has been one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in recent history. With a fresh influx of humanitarian aid on the horizon, the Hamas-led administration announced Monday its commitment to managing the distribution of relief to the desperate inhabitants of Gaza.
Despite Israel’s extensive military operations aimed at ousting Hamas from its stronghold, those efforts have proven ineffective at achieving one of its primary objectives. This failure could heighten the chances of renewed hostilities; a conflict might yield similar outcomes as before. The handover of three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Sunday contained an element of drama, with numerous masked Hamas fighters dressed in military attire showcased for the media while controlling an audience that surrounded their vehicles.
In different parts of Gaza, an even more striking scene unfolded as thousands of uniformed Hamas police reappeared, asserting their presence even in areas extensively damaged by the conflict. Mohammed Abed, a father of three who returned to Gaza City after months of displacement, noted, “The police have been here the whole time, but they were not wearing their uniforms to avoid being targeted by Israel.” He explained that the police had been among the displaced, contributing to a low incidence of theft during the turmoil. Some locals asserted that police maintained offices in various locations, allowing citizens to report crimes amidst the chaos of war.
While Israeli authorities have consistently held Hamas accountable for the staggering civilian death toll and destruction within Gaza, they have criticized the militant group for embedding fighters in civilian areas such as residences, schools, and hospitals. Although opinion polls indicate that support for Hamas among Palestinians is limited, the group’s roots run deep in Palestinian society, characterized by its military wing, political party, media outlets, and charitable organizations, which have been in existence since the late 1980s.
Over the years, Hamas has proven itself as an organized insurgency capable of launching attacks against Israeli forces through various means, including hit-and-run tactics and bombings on Israeli soil. Even as many of its prominent leaders have been killed, they have been swiftly replaced. The group garnered significant electoral support in the 2006 parliamentary elections and seized control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority the following year. Since then, Hamas has developed a structured government, complete with administrative bodies, police forces, and a civilian bureaucracy. Through these mechanisms, it has exerted dominance over Gaza by managing powerful families and suppressing dissent.
Throughout several conflicts with Israel, Hamas has not only clung to power but has also enhanced its military capabilities with support from Iran, developing an advanced arsenal that includes an array of rockets and fortified tunnels designed to evade Israeli airstrikes. The surprise incursion on October 7, 2023, saw Hamas fighters launch an attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, predominantly among civilians, while also taking 250 hostages.
In retaliation, Israel commenced an all-out aerial and ground offensive that has resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local health officials, decimating entire neighborhoods and displacing 90% of Gaza’s population. Daily reports from the Israeli military claimed the elimination of dozens of Hamas fighters and the destruction of key military infrastructure. However, despite claims that Israel had weakened Hamas significantly, the organization’s leadership has remained primarily intact, with some figures continuing to assert control in Gaza.
Civilians, forced into makeshift shelters, represent a potential recruitment pool for Hamas as they navigate the aftermath of widespread destruction. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated this month that Hamas had managed to replenish its ranks almost to pre-war levels. Experts suggest that while Hamas may no longer be able to execute large-scale attacks similar to those seen in October, the group is reverting to its guerrilla warfare tactics. According to Michael Milshtein, an Israeli analyst on Palestinian affairs, “Hamas is a chameleon. It changed its colors according to the circumstances,” hinting at the group’s resilience and adaptability.
Critics argue that military solutions cannot resolve the deep-seated issues of the region, which precede Hamas’ creation. They contend that with alternative paths for addressing Israel’s lengthy occupation unavailable, Palestinians are likely to remain aligned with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has consistently rejected initiatives for the establishment of a revised Palestinian Authority to govern both Gaza and parts of the West Bank, favoring prolonged Israeli security control over both territories.
Some analysts view Netanyahu’s lack of foresight regarding a post-war plan as a significant failure. Without addressing the underlying issues, they assert that the cycle of conflict is destined to repeat itself without any viable alternative arising. Israeli forces have recently tightened access to northern towns, limiting humanitarian aid and contributing to large-scale displacements. The devastation is evident; upon returning to areas like Jabaliya, residents witnessed vast expanses of destruction with the remnants of only a few buildings.
As Hamas police maintained vigilance over returning residents, the cycle of violence continues to loom large, illustrating the daunting challenges that lie ahead for both Hamas and the Palestinian populace.
