War’s Aftermath: Israel and Hamas Face a New Reality

The Gaza ceasefire marks a new, uncertain chapter for both Israel and Hamas, the primary antagonists in a devastating war. As President Donald Trump visits the region to promote peace, both sides are grappling with the strategic consequences of the conflict and positioning themselves for what comes next.
For Israel, the war has brought a mixture of tactical success and strategic challenges. It has severely degraded Hamas’s military capabilities and is on the verge of securing the release of its remaining hostages. However, it has come at the cost of immense international condemnation, facing accusations of genocide and arrest warrants for its leaders, leaving the nation more isolated than ever. Prime Minister Netanyahu must now navigate this fragile truce while still vowing to achieve the ultimate goal of dismantling Hamas.
For Hamas, the situation is equally complex. The Islamic militant group has survived Israel’s attempt to destroy it, preserving its leadership and organizational core. However, it has been battered militarily, has lost control over much of Gaza, and has expended its most powerful leverage by agreeing to release the hostages. Its challenge now is to translate its survival into political relevance in a post-war Gaza, a task made difficult by its weakened state.
The US-brokered deal freezes this new reality in place, creating a pause for both sides to reassess. Israel must decide whether to resume military operations to finish the job on Hamas, at great international cost. Hamas must decide how to operate in a devastated territory with no clear political future, potentially rebuilding its strength during a prolonged calm.
Trump’s diplomatic efforts are aimed at steering this new reality towards a permanent peace. But the unresolved ambitions and grievances of both Israel and Hamas mean the path forward is laden with the potential for renewed conflict.