Gaza remains under the tight grip of Hamas, even as calls for a peaceful resolution grow louder. Two years of protests demanding a ceasefire and a new beginning for Gaza have culminated in a situation that feels eerily similar to the past. Despite the devastation from recent conflicts, Hamas continues to dominate daily life in Gaza, overseeing law enforcement, healthcare, education, and aid distribution with an iron fist.

Following Israel's military withdrawal last week, Hamas militants have intensified their violent rule. Reports indicate that beatings and executions have become commonplace as Hamas seeks to settle scores with Palestinian clans accused of collaborating with Israel or attempting to establish their own power bases. This brutal retribution raises questions about the ongoing ceasefire, which Hamas has publicly dismissed.

Late Saturday, the U.S. State Department issued a warning about potential ceasefire violations by Hamas against the people of Gaza. The following day, Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Hamas operatives in Rafah after the group allegedly attacked Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops.

The situation has drawn criticism from various leaders who previously advocated for a ceasefire. Some, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have been accused of underestimating Hamas's role in Gaza's future. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has suggested that Hamas should not be viewed solely as a terrorist organization, emphasizing its role in providing essential services.

Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal stated that disarmament is unlikely in the near future. Instead, he proposed a ceasefire lasting three to five years to allow for Gaza's reconstruction, with Hamas playing a significant role in the process. This perspective raises concerns about the group's continued influence and the potential for future violence.

As Israel seeks to stabilize its southern border, many reservists have returned to civilian life, and international flights to Tel Aviv have resumed. However, the underlying tensions remain. Pro-Palestinian groups continue to advocate for the abolition of Zionism, indicating that the conflict is far from resolved.

The current state of affairs in Gaza reflects a complex and volatile situation, where the aspirations for peace are overshadowed by the persistent presence of Hamas and the ongoing cycle of violence. The future of Gaza remains uncertain as the region grapples with the consequences of its past and the challenges of its present.