Hamas, after nearly two decades of iron-fisted rule over Gaza, is now indicating a readiness to cede political control amidst a fragile ceasefire and international pressure, though disarmament and the group’s future role remain contentious issues. This shift comes as Hamas reasserts its authority on the ground with violent crackdowns, even as senior officials express willingness to hand over governance to a Palestinian unity body, signaling a potential turning point in the long-standing conflict.
In recent days, Hamas fighters have been seen executing opponents and beating civilians in Gaza, aiming to restore order after years of war and lawlessness. Masked men conducted public shootings and assaults, targeting rival militias and clans accused of looting aid, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. An aid worker noted that while Hamas is unqualified to rule, its presence is perceived as a better alternative to the chaos of criminal gangs. This brutality underscores the group’s determination to maintain influence, even as it professes a desire to step back from political leadership.
Senior Hamas officials, including Basem Naim, have publicly stated that the group is prepared to relinquish governance to a technocratic Palestinian committee, as outlined in recent ceasefire proposals. In interviews with NBC News and other outlets, Naim emphasized that Hamas is ‘ready today, if not yesterday, to step back from governance,’ but linked disarmament to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This conditional stance reflects the group’s strategic balancing act, seeking political legitimacy while retaining its armed capabilities as leverage in negotiations with Israel and international actors.
The context of this potential transition is rooted in the devastating Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023, which has killed tens of thousands and left Gaza in ruins. A ceasefire initiated in October 2025 has provided a temporary respite, but violations by both sides have threatened its stability. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have repeatedly vowed to destroy Hamas, complicating efforts to extend the truce into a second phase that could address governance and security arrangements. Meanwhile, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has proposed a peace plan involving an international stabilization force, though Hamas’s compliance remains uncertain.
Skepticism abounds among Gazans and analysts regarding Hamas’s true intentions, with many doubting that the group will voluntarily disarm or fully withdraw from power. A Gaza-based lawyer, Moumen al-Natour, described Hamas as a ‘gang, not a government,’ and expressed fear that its fighters would never surrender their weapons. Similarly, Israeli experts like Dr. Michael Milshtein argue that Hamas will likely remain the dominant force behind any new local regime, predicting future conflicts if disarmament is not achieved. This distrust highlights the deep divisions and trauma that persist after years of violence and political fragmentation.
Internationally, efforts by mediators such as Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have pushed Hamas toward a political rebranding, akin to historical transitions like the ANC in South Africa. Former Hamas adviser Ahmed Yousef suggested the group could reinvent itself as a peaceful political party under a different name, focusing on integration rather than violence. However, this vision faces obstacles, including Israel’s insistence on Hamas’s destruction and the group’s internal divisions, with a new generation of radicalized fighters emerging from the war. The loss of key leaders like Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar has further weakened Hamas’s political coherence, raising questions about its ability to negotiate effectively.
Looking ahead, the path to a stable Gaza hinges on whether Hamas can transition from a militant organization to a political entity, and whether Israel and the international community will accept such a transformation. Disarmament remains the most significant hurdle, with Hamas tying it to statehood—a demand rejected by Netanyahu’s government. If negotiations fail, renewed violence seems inevitable, as both sides prepare for potential escalation. Ultimately, the outcome will shape not only Gaza’s future but also the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with implications for regional security and peace efforts.