By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As the ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Hamas is reasserting its control over areas not occupied by Israeli forces. The group’s internal security forces have been seen on the streets, arresting alleged collaborators and engaging in clashes with opposing clans. Hamas has declared a week-long amnesty for certain criminal gangs, but its control is challenged by groups like the Popular Forces, who refuse to disarm. The future of security and policing in Gaza remains uncertain, especially concerning the potential establishment of an International Stabilization Force and the disarmament of Hamas.
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Hamas asserts control in Gaza and targets alleged collaborators as ceasefire takes hold. So, here we are, a ceasefire declared, and the world is watching, or perhaps, *not* watching as closely as it should. The reports filtering out paint a grim picture of Hamas consolidating its power in Gaza.
The most troubling aspect is the targeting of Palestinians. Whispers and now, increasingly, reports speak of executions, some in public, of those labeled as collaborators or enemies of Hamas. It’s hard to ignore the implications here. If Hamas is willing to treat its own people in such a manner, what does that say about their long-term intentions, particularly when dealing with external entities?
There’s a deep-seated frustration in seeing this unfold. The focus seems to immediately shift to assigning blame or taking sides, but the true tragedy is the Palestinian people. They are caught in a crossfire, subjected to the brutal tactics of Hamas and the consequences of the ongoing conflict. The question of who to trust feels impossible to answer.
The world’s reaction is almost predictable. Those who champion the Palestinian cause may find themselves in a difficult position. Do they condemn Hamas’ actions and risk losing support, or do they remain silent, potentially undermining their own credibility? The irony is palpable.
The core issue is the lack of a clear path forward. A ceasefire is not a resolution. Disarming Hamas is critical to preventing further conflict, but it appears to be far from anyone’s list of priorities. The question isn’t if a renewed conflict will happen, but when.
There’s a prevailing sense of disillusionment. It’s not just about the violence itself, but the systemic issues that fuel it. The lack of basic infrastructure, the limited access to aid, and the constant struggle for survival. The Palestinian people are essentially living in rubble, and there is no clear plan or aid that offers a glimpse of hope.
This situation is a powder keg. Hamas’s actions will inevitably be seen as further justification for harsher Israeli responses, continuing the cycle of violence. Where do we even begin? The focus shifts from building a future to ensuring survival.
The double standards and selective outrage are painfully evident. The criticism levied against Israel often feels disproportionate, while Hamas’s actions, especially those against its own people, are often met with silence or justification. It is a reflection of hypocrisy.
The lack of critical reporting or any form of analysis allows these events to happen without the world’s notice. Videos or articles don’t paint the full picture, and much of the coverage ends up being diluted or spun in different directions. The consequences have already been made clear.
The situation brings up the question of whether Hamas, or any group that is founded to kill, should be in control of any governmental structure. It’s not about assigning blame but about recognizing the need for genuine solutions, and a legitimate representative government. There needs to be a governing body whose primary purpose isn’t to eradicate a certain group of people.
The focus is on assigning blame while ignoring the suffering of the Palestinian people. The assumption is that the Palestinian people don’t care. The same groups that are accused of being enemies, are the ones whose safety and security is jeopardized.
It is the Palestinian people who must contend with the worst. It seems that the world is so quick to take sides, that the real victims have already been long forgotten. The time for excuses, silence, or selective outrage has ended. It’s a call for genuine concern and decisive action.