After more than a year of hiding in tunnels and evading airstrikes, Hamas fighters returned to the streets of Gaza City hours after a ceasefire took effect. Despite Israel’s vow to crush the group, Hamas appeared to have survived the intense bombardment. On Sunday, the group handed over three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, with several masked fighters seen managing the chaotic event in Gaza City.
The following day, Hamas’s deputy interior minister declared that Gazans were “living in a moment of victory.” While Hamas resumed its presence in Gaza, Israeli forces began withdrawing from heavily populated areas. Although the destruction left behind was significant, Hamas seemed to have withstood Israelβs relentless attempts to dismantle the organization, despite the loss of many top leaders.
Middle East expert Yossi Mekelberg pointed out that Israel’s goal of complete elimination had failed, as Hamas remained intact and continued recruiting, even after enduring one of the most severe bombardments in its history.
