In a striking contrast of events, President Donald Trump proclaimed the end of conflict in the Middle East during a historic address, while violence erupted in Gaza as Hamas publicly executed rivals to reassert dominance.
According to Fox News, this dual narrative unfolded with Trump's declaration of peace in Israel's Knesset and the simultaneous brutal actions by Hamas in Gaza City, highlighting the fragile state of stability in the region.
During a speech in Israel's Knesset, Trump celebrated a significant milestone with the return of the last living hostages held in Gaza. He boldly stated that "the war is over," signaling hope for a new era in the region. This announcement came amid a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty about the future of Gaza and its governance.
At the same time as Trump's speech, reports emerged from Gaza City of Hamas carrying out public executions in the main square. Videos circulating on social media appeared to depict these grim acts, aimed at intimidating opponents and civilians alike. An Israeli military official described the killings as "Hamas’s deliberate attempt to show the killing publicly and reestablish its rule by terrorizing civilians."
Amidst this violence, Hamas fighters have visibly returned to the streets of Gaza, seeking to reinforce their control. Despite reported losses, Hamas police remain a presence, maintaining some level of authority in the area. Political analyst Mukhaimar Abu Saada noted, "They’re still strong. Part of the reason they didn’t fight harder in the last days is that they saved some men and weapons for the day after."
Clashes between Hamas and local militias have also flared up, with fatalities reported as recently as the night before these latest events. Abu Saada added, "This won’t happen quickly. We’re talking about an ideological organization." Hamas has issued a stark ultimatum, giving alleged collaborators with Israel until Oct. 19 to surrender for possible amnesty, provided they were not involved in any killings.
Despite Trump's optimistic declaration, uncertainty grips ordinary Gazans about who will ultimately govern their territory. A local man, speaking anonymously, expressed doubt, saying, "You cannot say the war is finished. We have to wait a few weeks to see what happens." Many residents, exhausted after two years of destruction and loss, yearn for an end to the violence that has claimed countless lives.
Another Gazan shared, "No one knows what is happening — who will rule, what will happen with Hamas, and if the war is truly over." He added, "We hope for a better future. I just want me and my family to live without targeting, without bloodshed." The sentiment of exhaustion is widespread, with another resident noting, "People just want the blood to stop. They want to stop losing their relatives and friends."
Observers note that Hamas appears weakened and internally divided, with many of its remaining members being police rather than ideological extremists. An anonymous local commented, "Hamas is not strong like before. Those who remain are mostly police — not the real Hamas people who believe in their extremist jihadist ideology." Some Gazans see this as a potential turning point, possibly the first real opportunity to dismantle the terror regime that has long controlled the area.
The question of Hamas’s disarmament looms large, viewed by many as an inevitable step forward, though specifics remain unclear. Abu Saada emphasized, "No question Hamas will have to disarm one way or another. The real question is who will hold those weapons — the Palestinian Authority or the so-called ‘security stabilization force’ that’s supposed to deploy next." Qatari mediators have confirmed that while disarmament talks have not yet started, they are slated for discussion in the coming days.
International support for rebuilding Gaza is contingent on significant changes, with no Arab country willing to provide financial aid unless Hamas relinquishes its arsenal. Abu Saada warned, "No Arab country will give a single dollar if Hamas doesn’t disarm. Rebuilding Gaza depends on Hamas no longer being in control." The political and military isolation of Hamas is reportedly at an all-time high, according to experts in Washington.
Amidst Hamas’s defiant stance, a broader wave of peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors overshadows the group’s influence. Jacob Olidort, director of the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute, observed, "All of Israel’s regional partners are eager to normalize and build on where they left off prior to Oct. 7." Israel’s focus is shifting toward strengthening defense, commercial, and diplomatic ties globally and regionally.
The upcoming Sharm el-Sheikh summit is expected to initiate the second phase of Trump’s peace plan, which will shape Gaza’s future trajectory. Olidort noted, "Whatever is happening now on the ground doesn’t reflect Gaza’s future. None of the steps in the peace plan have been implemented yet." The next steps involve Hamas’s disarmament and the deployment of a stabilization force, critical factors in determining whether Gaza rebuilds or descends back into turmoil.
For now, Gazans remain focused on survival after enduring prolonged misery and bloodshed. The hope for a lasting calm persists, though many remain skeptical about immediate peace. As Abu Saada concluded, "The war is over, but the question is whether peace will really begin."