Hamas' Control Over Gaza Poses Challenges for Sustainable Peace

CAIRO - In areas devastated by 15 months of conflict with Israel, Hamas officials are actively managing the cleanup efforts following the recent ceasefire. Armed members of the group are providing security for humanitarian aid deliveries along Gaza's battered roads, while their police forces, donned in blue uniforms, are once again visible on the streets, signaling that Hamas's authority remains intact.

Israeli authorities have characterized the enthusiastic displays of Hamas fighters celebrating the ceasefire as a calculated strategy to amplify the militant group's perceived power. Nonetheless, within days of the ceasefire's implementation, the Hamas-led administration in Gaza has swiftly moved to restore order, prevent looting, and begin the process of reinstating essential services in parts of the territory, much of which has been reduced to ruins due to the extensive Israeli military operations.

This development highlights the significant influence Hamas wields in the region, complicating efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace. As the organization reasserts its presence, the prospect of a unified approach to governance and security in Gaza appears increasingly challenging.

While the ceasefire may have halted active hostilities, the underlying tensions and complexities of the situation remain. International observers are now closely watching how Hamas navigates the dual pressures of governance and the expectations of the Palestinian populace, who have endured significant hardship throughout the prolonged conflict.

The need for rebuilding is urgent, yet the pathway to peace is fraught with obstacles. The international community is left to ponder the implications of Hamas's continued dominance in Gaza and what it means for future negotiations aimed at resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.