For Palestinians in Gaza, promises of political transition have yet to translate into reality. Although Hamas announced last week that it would dissolve its civilian administration under a US-brokered peace deal, residents say the same ministries, offices and officials continue to run daily life, leaving millions caught between an entrenched Hamas structure and Israel's military campaign.

The Same Offices, The Same Authority

Eyad Saleh, a 19-year-old student from Gaza City, recently visited a government office to replace a university diploma lost during the war. He says there was never any doubt about where to go.

"There is nowhere else," he said, explaining that Hamas-run institutions remain the only bodies able to issue official documents. Saleh hopes to secure a scholarship abroad, seeing education as his only route out of Gaza after years of conflict and displacement.

Transition Plans Stalled Before They Began

The US peace plan unveiled in October 2025 envisioned Gaza being governed by an independent committee of technocrats. But the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza has yet to enter the territory, with its members reportedly stranded in Cairo awaiting Israeli approval.

Political analyst Ghassan Khatib says no effective handover has taken place. Hamas has maintained that while it would dissolve its civilian administration, existing ministries and staff would continue operating, with the group also retaining control over security in areas it still governs.

War Leaves Hamas Weakened But Still Standing

Israel now controls roughly 70% of Gaza following months of military operations launched after the October 7, 2023 attacks. Hamas remains in control of around 30% of the territory, despite Israel's stated objective of eliminating the group.

The ceasefire process has also stalled. Hamas refuses to disarm without an Israeli withdrawal and an end to military operations, leaving negotiations deadlocked and prospects for political change increasingly uncertain.

Ordinary Gazans Pay the Price

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as aid access remains fiercely disputed. The UN has accused Gaza's de facto authorities of obstructing relief operations, allegations Hamas denies, while aid organisations continue to criticise restrictions on humanitarian deliveries.

For many residents, political loyalties have become secondary to survival. Saleh says Gaza deserves "better than Hamas and better than any other political faction," reflecting growing frustration among civilians trapped between war, political paralysis and an uncertain future.

Palestinians in Gaza: Stuck between Hamas and Israel

Apart from the Palestins people, its better for everyone else if the situation remains the same .

Better for the USA , Israel , Hamas and the rest of the World if Hamas remain