Hamas: Diminished Yet Resilient Amidst Crisis

Tue Oct 21 2025 09:28:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis, Hamas grapples with internal power struggles and external pressures while attempting to reshape its identity.

Hamas, after nearly two decades of governance in Gaza, finds itself in a state of disarray following extensive military conflicts and leadership losses. Despite accusations of brutality and internal dissent, the group is positioned to reinvent itself, navigating pressures from both its populace and international actors. This article explores its complex future amidst ongoing violence and shifting power dynamics.

Hamas: Diminished Yet Resilient Amidst Crisis

Hamas, the governing body in Gaza for nearly 20 years, has been significantly affected by recent conflicts and internal strife. The organization has resorted to brutal measures to reassert its authority amidst rising challenges from rival factions and an increasingly desperate civilian population.

After the ceasefire on 10 October, disturbing reports have surfaced regarding Hamas's resurgence on the streets, where masked members have been executing perceived rivals and instilling fear among citizens. In a backdrop of humanitarian crises, the UN has also highlighted issues with criminal gangs diverting aid, adding to the chaos in Gaza.

In this context, questions loom over how Hamas will evolve amidst a changing landscape. Some believe the leadership is tired of war, pointing out a new willingness to consider alternative political paths akin to the transition of the ANC in post-apartheid South Africa.

Despite its challenges, practitioners and analysts counter that Hamas remains a dominant player in Gaza. The fractured power structure includes numerous militias and gangs, often at odds, raising questions about the feasibility of governance post-Hamas. Historical complexity further complicates any disarmament and restructuring efforts, as the group not only copes with external military pressures from Israel but also grapples with prevalent internal dissent.

Today, the faces of Hamas's leadership are largely absent, with key figures having been assassinated or persuaded to reconsider their political stances. Yet, the group's extensive network and armed capabilities indicate that any notion of a weak Hamas may be illusory.

As external pressures mount, including sanctions and military action, Hamas's survival strategy may closely mirror its past, though it might strive to adopt a facade of political moderation. The broad consensus suggests that Hamas, regardless of its new appearances, will remain a significant force in Gaza and possibly in any future negotiations over Palestinian statehood.