⚡️🚨 NEW - Hours after the ceasefire took…
⚡️🚨 NEW - Hours after the ceasefire took effect, Hamas moved swiftly to re-establish control across the Gaza Strip — setting up checkpoints, clashing with rival factions, and targeting suspected collaborators.
The Financial Times cited witnesses who said gun battles broke out in northern Gaza between Hamas and clans armed by Israel, while armed fighters were seen searching cars in Gaza City and negotiating disarmament with militias in Khan Younis. Hamas has ordered all rivals to surrender their weapons within 48 hours. The largest militia, the Popular Forces — backed by Israel — has refused.
According to the BBC, Hamas has also recalled about 7,000 fighters to reassert control over areas vacated by Israeli troops and appointed five new governors, all with military backgrounds. A BBC Arabic analyst said the move signals Hamas’s intent to maintain order, secure aid convoys, and resist exclusion from Gaza’s future governance — despite Trump’s plan calling for an international “stabilization force.”
The ceasefire deal currently includes only a prisoner exchange and limited Israeli withdrawal. A second phase, yet to be negotiated, involves discussion on Hamas’ continued use of arms. For now, however, the group’s rapid mobilization suggests it remains firmly in control of Gaza’s internal security.
Sources: Financial Times, BBC