Hamas Asserts Control in Gaza, Challenging Netanyahu’s Efforts to Dismantle the Group
The group's defiance raises questions about the effectiveness of Israel's military objectives.
Hamas fighters have displayed their continued authority in Gaza, posing a direct challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to dismantle the militant group following its deadly October 7, 2023, attack. Despite intense Israeli military operations aimed at eliminating Hamas, the group’s presence and influence remain a significant force in the region.
On Monday, eight heavily armed Hamas militants were seen at the Netzarim corridor, a crossing previously deemed crucial for preventing the group’s expansion in northern Gaza. Clad in military uniforms and Hamas’ signature green headbands, they greeted returning Gazans, offering water and posing for photos. Their visible presence at the crossing raises troubling questions about Israel’s success in achieving one of its primary war goals: to dismantle Hamas’ military and governing structures.
Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that one of the key objectives of the war is to eliminate Hamas following the group’s surprise attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. More recently, he softened the goal to focus on breaking Hamas' hold over Gaza. On September 4, Netanyahu outlined three war aims: to destroy Hamas' military capabilities, to free the hostages, and to ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Despite these objectives, the reality on the ground suggests that Hamas continues to maintain a significant presence. Following a ceasefire in late October, after the deaths of senior Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar, the militant group has regrouped, and fighters have resumed activities. According to U.S. assessments, Hamas has replenished its ranks almost as quickly as it lost fighters in the conflict.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that without a lasting solution, military operations would result in a "perpetual war" as Hamas militants would continue to regroup whenever Israel pulls back. He stated, “Each time Israel completes its military operations and pulls back, Hamas militants regroup and re-emerge, because there’s nothing else to fill the void.”
The recent ceasefire, fragile as it is, has been marked by moments of tension and distrust between Israel and Hamas. On January 19, Hamas fighters were seen emerging from hiding with rifles raised high, sending a clear message of defiance. "We are still at war," they seemed to declare, signaling their ongoing challenge to Israeli authority and control.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ governance activities continue in Gaza. Convoys of fighters have been seen traversing southern Gaza, with truckloads of humanitarian aid often escorted by armed militants to ensure its safe delivery. Some members of the Palestinian Police, loyal to Hamas, have also been deployed to restore order to the region.
In addition to these visible demonstrations of power, Hamas continues to maintain its influence through symbolic gestures, such as the recent hostage handover in Gaza City. Masked Hamas militants surrounded four Israeli hostages, handing them over in a carefully staged ceremony, creating an image of control over the situation.
The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. With both sides navigating the delicate ceasefire, there are concerns about its collapse. As analyst Ghada Soliman noted, "There is profound mistrust that exists between both sides," highlighting the tenuous nature of the agreement.
In the face of such challenges, Netanyahu’s objective of eliminating Hamas’ authority over Gaza seems increasingly complicated, with the group showing no signs of relinquishing its grip on the region. As the conflict continues, the prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain, with both sides locked in a cycle of confrontation and limited resolution.