Hamas Maintains Dominance in Gaza Despite Symbolic Government Reshuffle

Nearly three years after the October 7, 2025 ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains largely unchanged, characterized by a state of stasis across military, political, and civilian spheres. Dr. Michael Milstein of Tel Aviv University, former head of the Palestinian arena at Israeli Military Intelligence, explains that Hamas continues to dominate Gaza, controlling about 70% of the territory, though much of it is in ruins with only a few thousand residents, mostly collaborators and their families. The two million Palestinians living in Gaza remain under Hamas’s hegemony.

Hamas manages all aspects of public life in Gaza, including Friday prayers, education, policing, humanitarian aid, and ongoing recovery efforts. Despite suffering heavy losses during the war, including the elimination of many planners and tens of thousands of operatives, Hamas continuously appoints new commanders, recruits activists, and acquires weapons by any means. While the Israeli Defense Forces control significant areas and have operational freedom, Hamas remains the sole sovereign authority in Gaza’s Palestinian territory.

Currently, there is little visible dissent or criticism of Hamas among Gaza’s population, who largely blame Israel for their hardships and view Hamas as a representative, leader, or even hero. Hamas’s recent announcement to dissolve its government is largely symbolic; the group does not intend to relinquish its power or authority. Instead, it aims to allow a technocratic government to handle civilian affairs, focusing on areas Hamas deems less critical, thereby creating a Hezbollah-like model of governance. This move is seen as a cosmetic change rather than a substantive shift in control or policy.