Hamas mobilises fighters in Gaza as fears of internal violence mount | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Gaza Ceasefire: A temporary cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas Reassertion of Control: The militant group's efforts to restore its authority in areas of Gaza recently vacated by Israeli forces.
• Hostage Exchange Agreement: A deal involving the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
• Israeli Withdrawal (Phase 1): The initial stage of Israeli military disengagement from specific areas within Gaza.
• Aid Delivery and Infrastructure Damage: The provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the extensive destruction of its essential services.
• Hamas Security Forces (Ministry of Interiors): The internal security apparatus previously maintained by Hamas to enforce order in Gaza.
• "Outlaws and Collaborators with Israel": Terms used by Hamas to describe individuals perceived as acting against its authority or having links with Israel.
• Stabilization Force (proposed): A potential international or external security presence intended to oversee security in Gaza post-conflict.
• Transitional Governing Body (proposed): A temporary administrative structure, possibly composed of Palestinian technocrats, to govern Gaza.
• Donald Trump's Role as Ceasefire Guarantor: The former US President's involvement in brokering and ensuring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

---

Current Situation in Gaza and Ceasefire Dynamics

The ceasefire in Gaza appears to be holding, allowing for the return of displaced residents to their homes, many of which are severely damaged. Rescue workers have retrieved over 100 bodies from the rubble, with thousands more expected. Humanitarian aid is being ramped up, with trucks observed in Kunis, as per the ceasefire agreement. However, Gaza's key infrastructure is described as being "in tatters" after two years of Israeli bombardment.

A critical component of the ceasefire is a hostage exchange agreement: Hamas has until Monday to release 48 Israeli hostages, while Israel is obligated to release 250 Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Israel's military has announced the completion of the first phase of its withdrawal from Gaza. President Trump is anticipated to arrive in the region within the next day or two, and some US troops are being deployed to Israel.

Hamas's Reassertion of Control and Strategic Implications

Hamas has recalled 7,000 fighters to reassert control over areas recently vacated by Israeli troops and has appointed five new governors, all with military backgrounds. Sed Shahhata from BBC Arabic explained the rationale behind this move. Prior to the October 2023 war, Hamas maintained order in Gaza through its Ministry of Interiors and security forces. Their disappearance during the war led to widespread looting, including of aid trucks, due to hunger and lack of options for the populace.

• Purpose of Recalling Fighters: The recall was an "expected step by Hamas" to restore order, secure aid delivery, and control the situation. Hamas sent messages via phone calls and texts to these security forces, instructing them "to cleanse Gaza of what's called outlaws and collaborators with Israel," targeting individuals perceived as acting against Hamas or having links with Israel.
• Hamas's Continued Presence and Strength: This reassertion is a source of concern for Israel, as it demonstrates Hamas's continued presence despite being weakened. Reports suggest approximately 10,000 Hamas fighters were killed, representing "less than like... about only 10 [to] 15% of the people were killed from Hamas," with the "majority [being] civilians." The recall of 7,000 security forces signifies that Hamas "is still there" and actively trying to maintain order.
• Deployment and Future Governance: Hamas is deploying these units, some in civilian clothes and others in Gaza police uniforms, into areas from which Israel has withdrawn. This deployment is not expected to lead to clashes but aims to ensure order and safe aid delivery. It also signals that Hamas "will not easily surrender its role in the governing Gaza in the future." Hamas and other Palestinian factions have repeatedly stated that "the Palestinian future should be decided by the Palestinian themselves," indicating their refusal to be excluded from shaping Gaza's future.
• Opposition to External Forces: Hamas is also against the proposed "stabilization force" intended to oversee security in Gaza until a Palestinian state or government is established, or a "transitional governing body governed by the border peace and is composed of a committee of Palestinian technocrats." This opposition, coupled with the reassertion of control, creates "pressure and concern about the... future of this deal or the future of Mr. Trump plan." Shahhata emphasized that "Recalling the security forces means Hamas is still there. Recalling the security forces means Hamas will not easily surrender that," making negotiations about excluding Hamas from Gaza's governance "difficult."

Donald Trump's Role and the Future of the Peace Deal

Donald Trump is identified as the "main guaranteer for the ceasefire and the main person behind the success of that." Hamas and other Palestinian factions are calling for Mr. Trump to guarantee that the war is definitively over and that there will be no resumption of hostilities. Trump's involvement included putting pressure on Mr. Netanyahu and other countries, utilizing Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar to broker the deal. His upcoming visit to Israel and then Egypt to sign the deal is seen as a testament to his commitment. However, the critical question remains whether he "will he carry on for the second stage or not? Will he be committed to do that or not? Will he be successful with the other players to do that or not?"

Conclusion/Main Takeaways

The current ceasefire in Gaza is a fragile arrangement, marked by Hamas's strategic reassertion of control in vacated areas, aimed at restoring internal order and securing its future governance role. This move, alongside Hamas's opposition to external stabilization forces, complicates the long-term prospects of any peace deal or transitional governance plan. Donald Trump's role as the ceasefire's primary guarantor is crucial, but his commitment and success in navigating the subsequent, more complex stages of the peace process, particularly concerning Hamas's political future, remain uncertain. The humanitarian crisis, evidenced by extensive infrastructure damage and the ongoing recovery of bodies, underscores the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.