CAIRO — In areas devastated by 15 months of conflict with Israel, Hamas officials have begun clearing rubble following Sunday’s (Jan 19) ceasefire. Armed members of the group are guarding aid convoys on Gaza’s dusty roads, while police in blue uniforms are patrolling the streets, signaling that Hamas is firmly in control.

Israeli authorities described a celebratory parade by Hamas fighters on Sunday as a calculated display to exaggerate their strength. However, since the truce began, the Hamas-led administration has moved quickly to restore security, prevent looting, and begin reestablishing basic services in Gaza, much of which lies in ruins from the Israeli offensive.

Interviews with over a dozen residents, officials, diplomats, and security analysts reveal that despite Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas, the group remains deeply entrenched in Gaza, posing a significant obstacle to a lasting ceasefire. Hamas not only oversees security forces but also manages ministries and government agencies, paying employee salaries and coordinating with international NGOs.

On Tuesday, police and armed personnel returned to the streets, ensuring the safety of aid deliveries. “We aim to avoid any security vacuum,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run Gaza government’s media office. He stated that around 700 police officers were securing aid convoys, and since Sunday, no incidents of looting have occurred—a stark contrast to the chaos during the conflict.

The UN confirmed no reports of looting or attacks on aid workers since the truce began. Meanwhile, Israel has targeted lower-ranking Hamas administrators, aiming to undermine its governance after eliminating key leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif.

Despite these losses, Al-Thawabta said their administration continues to operate, with 18,000 employees working to provide essential services. Municipalities have cleared roads, repaired infrastructure, and restored water supplies to some areas. Heavy trucks have begun removing debris from the enclave’s main routes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to outline a vision for Gaza’s future, apart from rejecting any role for Hamas or the Palestinian Authority under its current leadership. Experts, like Joost Hiltermann from the International Crisis Group, argue that Hamas' control presents a dilemma for Israel: either continue fighting or accept an arrangement involving the Palestinian Authority with Hamas’ cooperation.

Hamas’ military strength remains uncertain, but the group is still the dominant force in Gaza. Discussions of a post-war government led by the Palestinian Authority lack momentum, as Mahmoud Abbas has not endorsed such plans.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel will withdraw troops from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to the north during an initial six-week phase. Reconstruction, estimated to cost billions, would only begin in a later phase. The truce has divided Israelis. While some celebrate the release of hostages, others demand Hamas’ complete eradication. Members of Netanyahu’s cabinet have expressed intentions to resume military action once hostages are freed. “There is no future peace or stability if Hamas remains in power,” said Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Hamas, meanwhile, has pledged to honor the truce terms, urging Israel to do the same. The 15-month war has left Gaza in ruins, with over 46,000 dead and hundreds of thousands relying on humanitarian aid. Clearing over 50 million tonnes of debris could take decades and cost over $1 billion, according to a UN assessment. While some Gazans praised Hamas for surviving the conflict and maintaining aid distribution, others voiced anger over the devastation. “We had homes, businesses, a life,” said Ameen, a displaced civil engineer. “Now we have nothing. This is no victory.”

Hamas’ control in Gaza has remained unchallenged since ousting the Palestinian Authority in 2007, consolidating power with Iranian funding and a vast tunnel network, much of which Israel claims to have destroyed. Despite ongoing debates about Gaza’s governance, international donors, including the UAE and the United States, have stressed that Hamas cannot retain power post-war.

Some models for governance involve peacekeepers or temporary international oversight, but no proposals have gained traction. Even suggestions of a joint committee with Hamas and Fatah under Palestinian Authority supervision face skepticism. As the ceasefire unfolds, doubts linger about its long-term implementation, with many uncertain about Gaza’s future governance.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters