Hamas Tightens Grip As Gaza Peace Plan Falters

After nearly two decades ruling Gaza with an iron fist, Hamas shows no sign of surrendering control — despite President Donald Trump’s ambitious peace plan envisioning its fighters laying down arms and handing power to an international stabilisation force.

 

In the days since the October 10 ceasefire, Hamas gunmen have reappeared on Gaza’s streets, executing rivals and reasserting authority through fear. Videos show masked men dragging opponents into alleys, beating them, and staging impromptu firing squads. Victims are often accused of looting aid or collaborating with rival factions — though some appear guilty only of defying Hamas’s rule.

 

Aid workers and residents say law and order has collapsed after two years of war that killed 68,000 people, according to Hamas’s own Health Ministry. Many Gazans, desperate for stability, see little alternative to Hamas’s return — even as they fear its methods. “As unqualified as Hamas is to rule, they’re a better option than the gangs,” says aid worker Hanya Aljamal from Deir al-Balah.

 

Former Hamas adviser Dr Ahmad Yousef insists the group’s harsh tactics are temporary, claiming “within a month” foreign peacekeepers from Turkey and Egypt could assume control. Yet others doubt Hamas will ever give up its weapons or relinquish power.

 

Lawyer Moumen al-Natour, who has been jailed repeatedly by Hamas, is now in hiding. “They will neither relinquish power nor hand over their weapons,” he warns. “It is a gang, not a government.”

 

Trump’s tone has shifted sharply since granting Hamas “approval” to restore order. On Truth Social, he threatened to “go in and kill them” if executions continue — a clear sign of Washington’s frustration.

 

Israeli analysts agree that Hamas remains Gaza’s dominant force. Dr Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli intelligence official, calls the idea of replacing Hamas with militias or clans “an illusion,” warning that many are criminal, Islamist, or even tied to ISIS.

 

For all the diplomatic talk of “transition,” Gaza today remains ruled by fear, guns, and the green flag of Hamas. The group may be bloodied and politically cornered, but it is not defeated — and the dream of an orderly postwar Gaza looks increasingly remote.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas fighters have reasserted control in Gaza through public executions and intimidation.

• Trump’s Gaza peace plan — envisioning a disarmed Hamas and foreign stabilisation force — appears stalled.

• Despite devastating losses, Hamas remains Gaza’s dominant power, with no credible alternative in sight.

 

Source: [BBC News – “Hamas ruled Gaza ]