The recent ceasefire in Gaza might have brought a pause in the fighting, but it hasn’t changed who’s in charge. Hamas, despite massive losses, still holds the reins, a fact that is throwing a big wrench into any long-term peace plans. This article explores how Hamas’s continued control over Gaza complicates things, even after a devastating war.
- Hamas Still Running the Show: Despite Israeli efforts, Hamas controls Gaza’s security and government.
- Security Vacuum? Nope. Hamas police are back on patrol, ensuring order and protecting aid convoys.
- International Aid Complications: Hamas’ control means they’re involved in aid distribution, raising questions about who really benefits.
- Future of Gaza Uncertain: The big question: can there be lasting peace while Hamas is in power?
Hamas: Still the Boss in Gaza
After 15 months of brutal conflict, you’d think things would be chaotic, right? Well, not exactly. Hamas officials are overseeing the clearing of rubble, their gunmen are guarding aid convoys, and their police are patrolling the streets, as if nothing ever happened. It’s a clear message: Hamas is still calling the shots in Gaza.
While Israeli officials dismiss this as a public relations stunt to make them seem stronger than they are, the fact remains that Hamas is deeply entrenched in Gaza. It’s not just about armed fighters; they’re running the government, paying salaries, and coordinating with international aid groups. It’s like they never left.
How Deep Does Their Influence Go?
Hamas’ control isn’t just about guns and soldiers. They manage ministries and government agencies, coordinating with NGOs to provide essential services. This includes:
- Security Forces: Hamas police and gunmen are back on the streets, maintaining order.
- Public Services: They’re getting basic services back up, like water and waste removal.
- Aid Distribution: They are liaising with international bodies about security for aid routes and warehouses.
According to Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, they have about 18,000 employees working daily to provide services. That’s a lot of influence. The scale of their operation shows just how difficult it will be to remove them from power.
Israel’s Dilemma
Israel’s goal was to dismantle Hamas, but it hasn’t worked. Now they face a dilemma: What do they do with a Hamas that’s not defeated and still very much in control of Gaza? They can keep fighting, but that’s not been effective so far. Or, they can allow the Palestinian Authority to take charge with Hamas’s approval, an option that seems more complicated than it sounds.
The Ceasefire Deal: A Temporary Truce?
The ceasefire deal is in phases. Initially, Israel pulls troops from central Gaza and lets Palestinians return to the north. Then, comes negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. But can you really have a permanent ceasefire when Hamas is so deeply involved in the daily life in Gaza?
The deal also includes billions for reconstruction and aid, which is a very needed thing for the Gazans. However, given that Hamas controls most of the local government, they will at least indirectly be involved in the rebuilding efforts.
Voices from Gaza
It’s a mixed bag of reactions in Gaza. Some folks are proud that Hamas has withstood the onslaught. As one Gazan put it, “Name me one country that could withstand Israel’s war machine for 15 months.” They see Hamas as the provider of aid, trying to maintain some security. There’s even a strong sentiment among the people that Hamas cannot be simply removed as they are deeply rooted. On the other hand, many residents are angry. One local engineer said: “When the war stops, Hamas must not rule Gaza alone.”. He highlighted that he and many other Gazans had their lifes, homes and businesses before the war. Now everything is destroyed.
The Palestinian Authority: A Non-Factor?
The Palestinian Authority (PA) claims it’s the legitimate power to govern Gaza post-war. But, they don’t have any real presence in the area. They are also very unpopular in the region. Since Hamas kicked them out in 2007, the PA is basically a non-entity in Gaza. While the PA might be the international darling, it is very questionable if they would be able to govern Gaza with any kind of authority, especially if Hamas still has a grip on most of the region.
The PA is also considered to be corrupt by many Gazans. This leads to the question, if they are really the right choice for the region, even if Hamas is no option. The region needs a stable and competent administration to rebuild after the conflict.
The Big Question: Can Lasting Peace be Achieved?
So, here’s the million-dollar question: can there be a lasting peace in Gaza while Hamas remains in power? It’s hard to say. There are talks of unity governments and international peacekeepers, but none of them seem like easy fixes. The reality is that Hamas isn’t going anywhere, and they have a lot of public support.
The current situation highlights how complicated the situation in Gaza really is. The future remains uncertain. But it’s clear that any path to peace has to take into account the reality of Hamas’s control.
Additional Notes: The economic impact of the conflict has been massive, with reconstruction costs in billions. Even clearing away the rubble will take years. International involvement, not only in financial aid, but also with expertise and governance will be essential for the future of the region. Also, for the sake of the civilians who have suffered so much, the leadership of Hamas needs to find common ground with the rest of the world.
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