Hamas is trying to show that it has returned to control of Gaza

As the Gaza ceasefire took effect on Sunday, masked gunmen, packed into white pickup trucks, roamed the streets of Gaza while their supporters chanted the name of Hamas’ military wing. By sending its fighters in a clear show of force, Hamas was trying to deliver an unambiguous message to the Palestinians in Gaza, to Israel, and to the international community: that despite the heavy losses during the war between Hamas fighters, police officers, political and military leaders, and government administrators, it It remains the dominant Palestinian power in Gaza.

“The message is that Hamas is the ‘day after’ of war,” said Ibrahim Madhoun, a Turkey-based analyst close to Hamas, using a phrase referring to the future administration of Gaza.

He added: “They convey that Hamas must be part of any future arrangements, or at least be coordinated with them.”

On Sunday, the Hamas-run government media office announced that thousands of police officers had begun deploying across the area to “maintain security and order.” The media office said that ministries and government institutions are ready to begin work “in accordance with the government’s plan to implement all measures that guarantee the return of normal life.”

At the Nasser Medical Complex in the southern city of Khan Yunis, at least three uniformed police officers stood by as the Palestinian national anthem played in the background, according to a video posted on social media and verified by The New York Times.

Later on Sunday, dozens of uniformed Hamas activists carrying weapons were seen in Gaza City’s Saraya Square next to a car holding Israeli hostages before handing them over to the Red Cross. The gunmen were trying to push away crowds of people who were heading towards the car.

Even as Hamas tries to show that it still controls Gaza and plans to play a major role in its management, its future there remains uncertain. Israeli officials said they had not abandoned their stated war goal of dismantling the military wing of Hamas and the government, strongly suggesting that they may resume the war against the armed group after freeing some hostages.

Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, said on Sunday that Hamas’s rule poses a danger to Israel’s security, and stressed that Israel had not agreed to a permanent ceasefire that would leave Hamas in power.

He added: “We are determined to achieve the goals of the war.”

While some analysts say Israel may eventually remove Hamas from power, others say it will have difficulty resuming the war in the face of international pressure. Even if that happens, these analysts say, Israeli forces will face enormous challenges in uprooting Hamas from Gaza without undertaking a direct occupation.

Ali Al-Jarbawi, a professor of political science at Birzeit University, said that the parades organized by Hamas across Gaza on Sunday were more than just a message to the international community that it is in control. He added that it also reflects the reality on the ground.

He said: “Hamas existed before the war, and it exists now.”

Aritz Parra Contributed to reports.