What's happened
Since the Gaza ceasefire began on October 10, Hamas has maintained control, refused to disarm, and carried out executions amid ongoing violence. Israel and international actors monitor the situation as Hamas asserts it will not disarm without a comprehensive Palestinian agreement, complicating peace efforts.
What's behind the headline?
The current situation underscores Hamas's strategic stance of maintaining armed resistance as a core element of its identity, despite international pressure for disarmament. The group's refusal to disarm, coupled with internal executions and militia-like behavior, reveals a complex dynamic where Hamas seeks to preserve its control and legitimacy. The international community's push for disarmament, exemplified by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's suggestion of a disarmament model based on the IRA, faces significant obstacles given Hamas's governance role and the Palestinian resistance's legitimacy. The internal violence, including executions of alleged collaborators and militia activity, indicates a shift towards militia-style control rather than governance, which complicates peace negotiations. The US and Israel's stance remains firm: Hamas must disarm and surrender control, but the group's position suggests it will only do so within a broader political framework that guarantees Palestinian rights and sovereignty. The next phase of negotiations will likely hinge on whether Hamas can reconcile its armed resistance with political legitimacy, a challenge that will determine the future stability of Gaza and the prospects for peace in the region. The ongoing violence and internal conflicts highlight the deep divisions and the difficulty of achieving a sustainable resolution.
What the papers say
The New Arab provides detailed insights into Hamas's internal stance, emphasizing the group's refusal to disarm and its readiness for a long-term ceasefire, with a focus on rebuilding Gaza. The article highlights Hamas's insistence on genuine Palestinian dialogue and national consensus, contrasting with Western and Israeli demands for disarmament. The Times of Israel reports on the internal violence and militia-like behavior of Hamas, including recent executions and the deployment of gunmen, illustrating a shift from governance to militia activity. It also details the ongoing violence and the group's internal conflicts, which undermine efforts for a political solution. The NY Post offers a critical perspective on the US and Israeli stance, emphasizing the failure of Hamas to meet ceasefire conditions, including the release of hostages and disarmament, and highlighting the internal violence as evidence of Hamas's militia-like control. It also discusses the broader geopolitical implications, including Trump's warnings and the international community's limited influence. Overall, the sources depict a Hamas that remains resistant to disarmament, engaged in internal violence, and unwilling to fully comply with international peace efforts, complicating prospects for a sustainable resolution.
How we got here
The conflict stems from Hamas's control of Gaza since 2007, ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions, and international efforts to broker peace. The recent ceasefire, brokered with US and regional involvement, aimed to halt hostilities and facilitate aid, but Hamas's refusal to disarm and internal violence threaten its stability and peace prospects.
Go deeper
Common question
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Gaza Conflict: What's Really Going On?
The situation in Gaza remains complex and tense, with ongoing violence, political resistance, and international pressure. Many people are asking why Hamas continues to hold control despite global calls for disarmament, what recent violence looks like, and whether peace is possible now. Below, we explore the key questions about the current state of Gaza and what it means for the region and the world.
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What Do Recent International News Stories Mean for You?
Staying informed about global events can seem overwhelming, but understanding the key stories helps you grasp how they might impact your daily life. From diplomatic talks to regional conflicts and security concerns, these headlines shape the world we live in. Below, we explore some of the most pressing recent news stories and answer common questions about their significance and potential effects.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.