For many residents of Gaza, the recent lull in fighting has brought a new kind of uncertainty: a sense that Hamas is entrenching itself rather than relinquishing control. Under the terms of the truce, Israel pulled back certain troops and heavy units.
Reports from Gazan merchants and humanitarian workers indicate that Hamas operatives have resumed checkpoints, oversight of goods coming into the territory, and enforcement of economic regulations. For example, truck drivers say their loads are reviewed before entering Hamas-held zones.BoniK Barta+1 One importer noted that while formal taxation might not have been announced, the monitoring of everything from cigarettes to fuel has resumed.BoniK Barta At the same time, the delineation of a “yellow line” within Gaza — marking areas where Israeli forces retain oversight versus zones where Palestinian administration is expected — has become ever more tangible.Xinhua News+1
Hamas is also signalling that it will not simply vanish with the ceasefire.
This manoeuvring occurs amid international efforts to stabilise Gaza.
On the ground, ordinary Gazans are feeling the effect. . In one town, a shopkeeper said that officials toured multiple stores in a day checking pricing and goods.
The implications are significant. Moreover, the longer international actors delay implementing a robust alternative governance structure, the more entrenched Hamas becomes in practice.BoniK Barta+1
From a geopolitical perspective, this scenario presents a dilemma. On one hand, the ceasefire and withdrawal create space for rebuilding and humanitarian relief.
In practical terms, monitoring what happens next will be essential.
