After 15 months of intense conflict with Israel, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas has regained control of Gaza, according to the New York Times. Despite the devastating loss of thousands of members, destruction of weapons, and tunnels, Hamas has emerged stronger and remains Gaza’s most powerful faction.
The New York Times reports that as soon as the ceasefire began, armed Hamas fighters flooded the streets of Gaza, signaling that, despite the enormous casualties and destruction, Hamas has not been defeated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims of eliminating Hamas have been undermined by the group’s continued dominance and absence of a viable alternative for Gaza.
Meanwhile, foreign media reports reveal that the United Nations has warned it could take up to 21 years to clear the rubble of destroyed buildings and infrastructure in Gaza, with an estimated $12 billion required for the cleanup.
Additionally, Arab media outlets have reported continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire. In Rafah, Israeli drones fired on people clearing debris, resulting in one Palestinian death and four others injured. Israeli military tanks also opened fire in southern Gaza, killing two Palestinians. Israeli authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing.
English
Urdu