What's happened
Recent military displays by Hamas in Gaza threaten fragile ceasefire efforts following the release of all hostages from the October 2023 attack. Israel and the US demand Hamas disarm, but ongoing violence and clan clashes complicate peace prospects amid fears of renewed conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The recent show of force by Hamas, welcomed by some Palestinians as a response to lawlessness, risks undermining the ceasefire. Hamas's refusal to fully disarm and its ongoing internal violence suggest it aims to consolidate power rather than pursue peace. The clashes between Hamas and rival clans, including the Doghmush family, highlight the fragmentation within Gaza's security landscape. Israel's hint at resuming military operations indicates that peace remains fragile, especially as Hamas continues to target rivals and enforce its authority through extrajudicial killings. The international community's ability to mediate a peaceful disarmament process is limited, and the potential for renewed conflict remains high. The US and regional actors like Egypt and Qatar face the challenge of deploying effective peacekeeping forces capable of urban warfare, but the entrenched power struggles and ongoing violence suggest a long, difficult road ahead. Ultimately, the stability of Gaza hinges on Hamas's willingness to disarm and the international community's capacity to enforce a sustainable peace.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Hamas's recent show of force and internal clan clashes threaten the ceasefire, with Hamas refusing full disarmament and engaging in extrajudicial killings, which human rights groups condemn. The NY Post highlights Hamas's rejection of foreign oversight and its ongoing violence against rivals, emphasizing the risk of renewed conflict and the difficulty of disarmament. AP News notes that the recent military displays and the release of hostages have not stabilized Gaza, with ongoing clan violence and Hamas's refusal to fully disarm, raising concerns about the fragile peace process. All sources agree that Gaza remains highly unstable, with internal power struggles and external pressures complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.
How we got here
Since Hamas's attack in October 2023, Gaza has experienced escalating violence, political instability, and a breakdown of security. Israel's military operations targeted Hamas security forces, while local armed groups and clans filled the power vacuum. The recent release of hostages has temporarily eased tensions, but ongoing clashes and Hamas's refusal to fully disarm threaten the ceasefire.
Go deeper
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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.