HAMAS STILL STANDING
#Hamas, the elected governing party of occupied Palestine, has emerged, beaten down but still standing, and stronger than ever in the West Bank. 

The news reports and video are dramatic. A parade of jubilant uniformed Hamas Defense Forces sporting #Palestine flag patches, wielding automatic rifles and victory salutes celebrated the ceasefire joined by cheering crowds amidst the ruins of Gaza City. (Check out the hottie, center hood of truck).

Hamas’ civil police and Defense Forces are once again stationed in neighborhoods across the Strip patrolling streets and directing traffic on foot since Israel destroyed virtually all police cars. 700 police wearing mint condition, artsy blue geometric patterned uniforms, and combat ready Defense Forces are protecting thousands of relief trucks rolling in.

Hamas administrators are still running ministries and government agencies, paying salaries for 18,000 employees and coordinating with international NGOs. Hamas-governed municipalities are clearing rubble from  roads, clearing trash and repairing pipes and infrastructure to restore running water. Dozens of heavy trucks ferry debris from destroyed buildings.

A former Israeli military intelligence analyst said, “it’s totally clear that Hamas can impose its sovereignty everywhere in #Gaza.”

Afterall, Hamas is the democratically elected government which Jimmy Carter called one of the three fairest elections out of the 70 his center had monitored at the time. Hamas’ rival, Fatah party-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA), has no presence in the Strip and little popular support. Many in the crowds expressed pride Hamas has survived in tact.

U.S. intelligence now estimates Hamas has recruited 10-15,000 new angry young men and lost a similar number of its original defense force of 20-25,000 but those numbers are less important than Israel’s widespread destruction of Hamas’ weapons depots and smuggling tunnels, setting back Hamas’ ability to rearm.

A poll revealed two-thirds of Gazans support the October 7 attack and 80% believe it renewed global attention to the Palestine occupation. About half of Gazans expect Hamas to return to govern the Gaza Strip. Demand for the resignation of Palestinian Authority President Abbas increased accompanied by a rise in Hamas’ popularity and increased support for armed struggle.

Hamas’ re-emergence intensifies the question of whether Israel will resume the genocide. Israel's Secretary of State emphasized that Israel had not agreed to a permanent cease-fire that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza.
Uh oh. #GazaCeasefire #GazaGenocide‌ #Palestinians #Ceasefirenow