What's happened
Hamas is regaining power in Gaza despite international pressure for disarmament and political transition. Israel and mediators are preparing for the next phase of a peace plan, with Hamas controlling more territory and revenue, raising concerns about disarmament and future conflict. The US and others plan to announce a new peace structure soon.
What's behind the headline?
Hamas's resurgence in Gaza highlights the resilience of the group despite heavy losses and international pressure. Its ability to reassert control through revenue generation, crackdowns on crime, and political maneuvering complicates efforts for disarmament. The Israeli government remains committed to preventing a Palestinian state, viewing Hamas's control as a threat. The upcoming announcement of the peace plan's second phase will test whether international mediators can enforce disarmament and political transition. The situation suggests a high likelihood of renewed conflict if Hamas refuses to disarm or cede power, as Israel and the US prepare to escalate pressure. The broader geopolitical implications include potential shifts in regional alliances and the future of Palestinian sovereignty.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticizes Hamas’s refusal to disarm and cede power, emphasizing distrust and the risk of renewed conflict. The NY Post also notes Netanyahu’s support for international peacekeepers but warns of Israel’s readiness to act if Hamas fails to comply. The New York Times highlights Hamas’s ability to reassert control, generate revenue, and crack down on crime, despite heavy losses. Both sources underscore the complex dynamics of Gaza’s political landscape and the challenges facing peace efforts, with the US and mediators preparing to announce the next phase of Trump’s peace plan soon.
How we got here
Over two years of conflict have severely damaged Gaza, killing many Hamas fighters and depleting its arsenal. Despite this, Hamas has reestablished control over parts of Gaza, managing police, finances, and security. International efforts, including a peace plan initiated by Trump, aim to disarm Hamas and establish a Palestinian state, but the group remains resistant, demanding full withdrawal from Gaza and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.
Go deeper
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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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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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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.