Hamas Reorganizes and Maintains Control in Gaza Despite Ceasefire

More than 1,000 days after the October 7 massacre, Hamas remains firmly in control of Gaza, according to testimonies received by N12 from residents inside the Strip. Despite a ceasefire, Hamas has reestablished command centers, enforces strict control over the population, and suppresses dissent. Residents report that Hamas militants operate covertly, disguising themselves as civilians to avoid Israeli airstrikes while continuing to monitor and intimidate the population.

A Gaza resident identified as M told N12 that Hamas uses the ceasefire period to consolidate power, detain and interrogate people, and prevent any public criticism. He described Hamas’s refusal to disarm as a deliberate tactic to prolong its rule and delay political agreements. M criticized Israel for not separating civilians from Hamas militants in the areas it controls, warning that without such measures, the conflict could drag on for years.

Another resident, A, expressed widespread fear and exhaustion among Gaza’s population. She said many Palestinians openly discuss emigrating due to the oppressive conditions and lack of hope. Although Hamas fighters have disappeared from public streets to avoid detection by Israeli intelligence and air forces, their control remains absolute. A recounted how Hamas continues to suppress protests and punish suspected collaborators, maintaining a climate of fear.

Economic hardship also burdens Gaza’s residents, with soaring prices and limited aid worsening daily life. Despite Hamas’s low public profile, it remains the sole authority in Gaza, quashing opposition and managing the territory’s affairs. The testimonies paint a bleak picture of a population trapped under Hamas’s rule, with little prospect for change or peace in the near future.