GAZA CITY. As a fragile ceasefire settles over the war-torn Gaza Strip, Hamas has emerged from 15 months of intense conflict still firmly in control of the territory. Despite the devastation caused by one of the deadliest wars in recent memory, the group has reasserted its authority and vowed to manage the influx of humanitarian aid promised in the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, remains entrenched even after Israel’s massive military campaign failed to dislodge it—a key objective of the war. The coastal enclave now lies in ruins, with neighborhoods reduced to rubble and over 90% of its population displaced.
On Sunday, Hamas staged a highly symbolic display during the release of three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. Dozens of armed Hamas fighters in green headbands paraded publicly for the first time in months, surrounded by cheering crowds. Thousands of Hamas-run police officers, who had operated undercover during the war to avoid Israeli strikes, reappeared in uniform in some of Gaza’s most devastated areas.
“They were among the displaced people in the tents,” said Gaza City resident Mohammed Abed, who returned to his home after fleeing months ago. “That’s why there were no thefts.”
Israel has repeatedly criticized Hamas for embedding its forces in residential neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals, leading to civilian casualties. Local health officials report over 47,000 Palestinians killed during the war, including women and children, with entire families wiped out in some strikes.
Although polls indicate limited popular support for Hamas among Palestinians, the group remains deeply rooted in Gaza’s social fabric, operating as a government, political party, and military force. Since seizing control in 2007, Hamas has developed extensive infrastructure, including ministries, police forces, and a civilian bureaucracy.
Even amid Israel’s airstrikes, Hamas maintained its operations, including building tunnels, manufacturing rockets, and coordinating attacks. By the time the war began, Hamas had an organized army of tens of thousands of fighters, supported by Iranian funding and weaponry.
“The war is ending with a strong perception of success for Hamas,” said Michael Milshtein, an Israeli expert on Palestinian affairs. “The enlistment capabilities will be crazy. They won’t be able to handle it.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain security control over Gaza and parts of the West Bank, rejecting proposals for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern the territories. Critics argue this approach ensures Hamas’ survival, as Palestinians see no viable alternative to resisting Israel’s occupation.
Netanyahu has hinted at resuming military operations if Israel’s objectives are not met during the ceasefire’s initial six weeks. Hamas, meanwhile, has tied the release of remaining captives to a lasting truce and Israeli withdrawal.
As Gaza residents returned to areas like Jabaliya on Sunday, they were greeted with scenes of destruction: homes flattened, schools demolished, and infrastructure obliterated. Despite this, Hamas police maintained order, underscoring the group’s continued dominance in the territory.
For now, the ceasefire offers a tenuous reprieve, but both sides are bracing for what seems an inevitable return to hostilities.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
