Following a ceasefire with Israel, Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 gunmen to reassert control over Gaza, vowing to eliminate those deemed “outlaws and collaborators.” This move comes as Israeli forces gradually withdraw, leaving questions about governance and Hamas’s disarmament, as stipulated in the ceasefire plan. The truce marks a step towards ending a devastating two-year conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel, which has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and tens of thousands of casualties. Simultaneously, the United Nations is set to scale up aid delivery to address severe humanitarian conditions, while Israel maintains a defensive presence in a portion of Gaza.
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Following the war, Hamas has been targeting Palestinian clans and groups that have voiced opposition to the terror group. This includes those accused of collaborating with Israel. Reports indicate that Hamas has resorted to violence, including shooting at Palestinian rioters, and the abduction of prominent Gaza clan members. The actions demonstrate Hamas’ efforts to consolidate power and eliminate perceived threats within the Gaza Strip. This occurs even amid a ceasefire.
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A Hamas official stated on Saturday that the disarmament of Hamas is “out of the question” within the framework of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. This declaration, reported by AFP, directly contradicts a key element of the proposed peace agreement. The statement indicates Hamas’s firm rejection of a central condition for any potential deal involving the group.
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Following the commencement of a ceasefire, Israel announced that Hamas had been defeated in all locations where fighting occurred. An Israeli official advised Gazan residents against entering areas controlled by the Israel Defense Forces within the enclave. This declaration marked a shift in the conflict dynamics, with the focus now turning to post-ceasefire conditions. The statement highlighted the ongoing Israeli presence and control over certain areas within Gaza.
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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has expressed relief at the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, poised to alleviate suffering in Gaza. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini confirmed the agency is prepared to deliver essential supplies, including food and medicine, with enough resources to feed the entire population for three months. Crucial to the implementation of the ceasefire, UNRWA staff in Gaza are ready to resume basic services like healthcare and education for displaced children. Lazzarini called on member states to support UNRWA’s vital work during this critical time.
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The first phase of a US-led peace plan between Israel and Hamas is set to be implemented, with an expected signing on Thursday. This initial stage involves an immediate ceasefire and the exchange of hostages for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. President Trump has announced that Hamas will release hostages as early as next week, with the remains of deceased hostages also being handed over. The agreement also includes the potential transfer of power in Gaza to a technocratic government and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, paving the way for aid and further exchanges.
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Israeli sources indicate that Hamas may be unable to locate or retrieve the remains of all deceased hostages in Gaza, potentially complicating efforts to finalize a ceasefire deal. Intelligence suggests that the number of unrecoverable remains is in the single digits, impacting Israel’s demand for the return of all hostages, both living and dead. The Israeli government, aware of Hamas’s limitations, may leverage this uncertainty in negotiations, potentially to exert pressure on the final agreement’s details or to secure a full withdrawal from Gaza. However, a joint task force, involving multiple countries, will be created to locate and recover the remains of the deceased hostages.
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Two years after the October 7th attacks, Hamas released a statement commemorating the event, referring to it as a “glorious day.” The statement was accompanied by an AI-generated video featuring Yahya Sinwar and footage from the attacks. This celebration underscores Hamas’s continued validation of the violence. The attacks involved Palestinians crossing the border fence from Khan Yunis into Israel.
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During a Navy celebration in Norfolk, Virginia, Donald Trump attempted to incite boos against Barack Obama by referring to him by his full name, “Barack Hussein Obama.” The crowd of service members, however, remained silent, a stark contrast to Trump’s expectations. The president proceeded with a meandering speech filled with boasts and personal anecdotes, including one about his physical fitness. This moment mirrored a similar awkward encounter earlier in the week with the Defense Secretary.
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Speaker Johnson acknowledged that President Trump is intentionally “trolling the Democrats” through social media posts, particularly utilizing AI-generated content, to mock their stance. While conceding the seriousness of the government shutdown’s impact on real people, Johnson clarified that the intent behind the social media activity is to highlight the perceived absurdity of the Democrats’ position, employing memes and other online tools. He insisted that the decisions made are difficult and that there is no pleasure derived from the consequences. Despite the perceived entertainment value of the online content, Johnson emphasized the gravity of the situation and its impact.
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John Q. Hosedrinker