UPDATE: Hamas security forces have intensified their presence on the streets of Gaza, as a fragile truce holds amidst escalating tensions. Just yesterday, freed prisoners from Israeli jails were welcomed back with armed support from Hamas’s Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, signaling a shift in control as Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza City.
As of November 7, 2023, armed police in black masks have resumed street patrols in northern Gaza, particularly in areas like Shujaiya, where witness reports indicate ongoing clashes with armed clans allegedly backed by Israel. “Intense clashes broke out — and are still ongoing at the moment — as part of efforts to eliminate collaborators,” a resident known as Yahya stated, speaking under the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns.
Hamas’s new security unit, dubbed the “Deterrence Force,” is actively conducting operations aimed at restoring order. A Palestinian security source confirmed, “Our message is clear: There will be no place for outlaws or those who threaten the security of citizens.” This response comes in the wake of accusations that Israeli forces violated the truce by firing during these confrontations.
The situation in Gaza is particularly critical as families seek stability following the recent ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. While Hamas is under pressure to disarm as part of the peace deal, many Palestinians express relief at the presence of armed police. “After the war ended and the police spread out in the streets, we started to feel safe,” said Abu Fadi Al-Banna, a resident of Deir al-Balah.
Despite the turmoil, the humanitarian aspect is palpable. Hamdiya Shammiya, displaced by the fighting, remarked, “Thank God the war is finally over. We’ve started to breathe a little.” This sentiment echoes across the region as residents begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives amidst the rubble.
Meanwhile, the return of 20 surviving hostages from Gaza has intensified calls from Israeli families for the return of the remains of 24 deceased hostages still held. The Israeli military confirmed the identification of four returned bodies, including those of Guy Iluz, an Israeli national, and Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese agriculture student. “The return of Guy and Bipin brings some measure of comfort to families who have lived with agonizing uncertainty,” stated the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
As international leaders gather to discuss the path forward, President Trump emphasized the need for a collaborative solution to the decades-long conflict. In a statement, he remarked, “We’ll have to see what I think is right, but I’d be in coordination with other states and other countries.”
The coming days will be critical as the situation evolves. Hamas’s ability to maintain control while addressing the demands for disarmament and stability may determine the future of Gaza. Residents are watching closely, hoping for a lasting peace while grappling with the immediate realities of their disrupted lives.
