Hamas has made a show of force in the streets of Gaza to demonstrate its control over the territory despite heavy losses during the war. Masked fighters, armed with guns, paraded through cities on Sunday, while supporters chanted the name of Hamas’s military wing. The group aims to convey that it remains a dominant power in Gaza and must be part of any future arrangements.
The Hamas-run government announced that police officers were deploying throughout the territory to restore security and order. At least three uniformed police officers were seen standing at a medical complex, while dozens of gun-toting militants appeared in a square with Israeli hostages before handing them over to the Red Cross.
However, Israel’s stance on Hamas remains uncertain. Israeli officials have not given up on dismantling the group’s military wing and government, strongly suggesting that they could resume the war after the freeing of some hostages. Some analysts believe that Israel might eventually remove Hamas from power, while others argue that it would struggle to do so due to international pressure.
Analysts suggest that Hamas’s public displays are more than just a message to the international community – they also reflect the reality on the ground. The group has been present in Gaza since before the war and is likely to remain there after it ends.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/world/middleeast/hamas-in-charge-gaza.html