Signs of Hamas Resurgence in Gaza as Israeli Troops Withdraw

In a surprising turn of events, Hamas has begun to deploy police forces and make partial salary payments to some of its civil servants in Gaza City. This resurgence has occurred in areas that Israeli troops had recently withdrawn from, indicating the group's resilience despite Israel's military campaign against it over the past four months.

Resurgence in Gaza City

Reports from four residents and a senior official within the militant group confirmed the return of Hamas in the Gaza Strip's largest city. The re-emergence of police forces and the payment of salaries to civil servants in some areas that Israel had withdrawn from last month highlight Hamas' determination to maintain a presence in the region.

Return of Police Forces

Several Gaza City residents observed uniformed and plainclothes police officers deploying near police headquarters, government offices, and even near Shifa Hospital, the territory's largest medical facility. These developments were followed by Israeli airstrikes in the vicinity of these makeshift police offices, underscoring the fragile situation on the ground.

Efforts to Reinstate Order

A Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the group's leaders had instructed the reestablishment of order in the northern parts of Gaza from which Israeli forces had withdrawn. This included preventing looting and assisting residents who had evacuated to the southern half of Gaza due to Israeli evacuation orders during the conflict.

Partial Salary Payments

Residents have reported that funds were distributed to government employees, including police officers and municipal workers, from makeshift Hamas offices. These partial salary payments signify Hamas' determination to continue functioning despite the ongoing hostilities with Israel.

Ongoing Conflict

While Hamas appears to be regaining traction in Gaza City, the conflict with Israel continues. Israeli forces renewed strikes in the western and northwestern parts of Gaza City, including areas where the salary distributions took place, further complicating the situation in the region.

Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population, with at least 107 people killed over a 24-hour period, bringing the total wartime casualties to 27,238. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that more than 66,000 people have been wounded, and over half of Gaza's 2.3 million population has sought refuge in Rafah and surrounding areas.

International Mediation Efforts

Efforts to broker a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with international mediators working to bridge the gap between the two parties. The conflict has caused massive destruction in Gaza, displacing 85% of its population and pushing a quarter of its residents to starvation.

Regional Implications

Amid the ongoing conflict, the United States launched an air assault on sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, signaling a widening of the regional tensions. The situation remains precarious as the conflict shows no signs of abating, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.