What's happened
Three months into the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Hamas continues to strengthen its governance despite rejection of disarmament. Israel remains skeptical of Hamas's disarmament plans, and discussions about integrating Hamas police into a future government are ongoing, with potential military action likely if disarmament is not achieved.
What's behind the headline?
The current situation reveals a complex power dynamic in Gaza. Despite US and Israeli demands for disarmament, Hamas is actively embedding its operatives into government and security roles, aiming to preserve influence. The formation of a technocratic government under US oversight is a strategic move to legitimize governance without Hamas's disarmament, but Israel remains firmly opposed to any Hamas participation, considering all elements of the group as terrorist components.
The US is pushing for a gradual disarmament process, including weapon buy-back programs and immediate decommissioning of heavy weapons, but Hamas's refusal to disarm signals a prolonged standoff. The potential for military action remains high if Hamas refuses to relinquish its arms, especially given Israel's belief that disarmament by force could take years.
The ongoing negotiations and the creation of the NCAG highlight a fragile transition. While Hamas appears committed to the ceasefire, its refusal to disarm and the presence of armed personnel in Gaza suggest that full peace and stability are still distant. The next few months will be critical in determining whether Gaza can transition to a peaceful, demilitarized governance or if conflict will reignite.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Hamas is consolidating control by integrating operatives into government and security roles, despite its rejection of disarmament. The article emphasizes Israel's skepticism and the likelihood of military action if disarmament is not achieved. The article also notes recent US claims of Hamas's cooperation in locating hostages, though these are contested. Reuters and France 24 detail the formation of the technocratic NCAG and the ongoing negotiations around weapons decommissioning, highlighting the gap between Hamas's plans and Israeli expectations. The New Arab and other sources underscore Hamas's efforts to incorporate police officers into the new government, which Israel opposes, viewing all elements of Hamas as terrorist infrastructure. Overall, the coverage illustrates a tense standoff with no clear resolution in sight.
How we got here
Following the October ceasefire brokered by the US, Hamas retains control of nearly half of Gaza. The agreement links further Israeli troop withdrawals to Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's demilitarization. The US and Israel oppose Hamas's involvement in governance, demanding disarmament before any political integration or rebuilding efforts.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Does the US-Backed Gaza Governance Transition Mean?
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What Do Today’s Headlines Say About Global Instability?
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How is Hamas strengthening its control in Gaza?
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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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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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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.
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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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