Gaza Conflict: Hamas Reasserts Control Amidst International Efforts

Hamas is holding an election to choose a new interim leader following the deaths of its senior leaders in Israeli strikes. The outcome may signal the direction Hamas intends to take, particularly as the US and other mediators discuss post-war governance of Gaza. The election is taking place across Gaza, the West Bank, and among Hamas's members elsewhere. The new leader will hold office for a year and is expected to navigate the group's internal and external pressures. The frontrunners include Khalil al-Hayya, who leads Hamas in Gaza, and Khaled Meshaal, a veteran figure and former overall leader.

Hamas is reasserting control in Gaza after a ceasefire with Israel, despite suffering heavy losses during the conflict. The group has regained control over security, tax revenue, and government services, raising questions about its long-term strategy and willingness to disarm. Hamas's control is evident in its police patrols, taxation of imports, and judiciary oversight. However, Israel and the international community are pressing for Hamas to disarm as part of the second stage of Donald Trump's peace plan. The situation remains complex, with Hamas ideologically committed to fighting Israel and having a deeply-rooted and well-armed membership.

The US President Donald Trump's newly formed Board of Peace has secured over $7 billion in pledges for Gaza relief from several countries, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. The Board aims to facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, several Western countries, including the UK, Canada, France, and Germany, have refused to join the Board, citing concerns that it may be intended to replace the UN. The success of the Board's efforts is uncertain, with Hamas showing little sign of disarming and Israel insisting that reconstruction should not proceed without demilitarization.

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President Trump convened the first meeting of his Board of Peace, announcing $7 billion in pledges from nine member countries to rebuild Gaza. The event was marked by a lack of details on how Hamas can be disarmed or when Israel might withdraw from the territory. Trump also unexpectedly endorsed Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, in the upcoming elections. The Board of Peace was formed to oversee the enactment of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, but Trump suggested it could have broader ambitions, potentially even superseding the United Nations. Many major US allies, including France, have declined to join the board, citing ambiguity about its scope.

US President Donald Trump declared the Gaza war 'over' at the inaugural meeting of his 'Board of Peace', attended by top officials from over 20 countries. However, regional analysts warn that the conflict could resume within weeks due to the unresolved issue of Hamas' disarmament. Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that disarmament is crucial, with Rubio stating that failure to comply would result in a return to war. Israeli officials set a 60-day timetable for Hamas to disarm, warning that rebuilding would not begin before demilitarization.