Ongoing Violence in Gaza Post-War

While the war in Gaza has officially come to a halt, the violence persists.

Many Palestinians are anxious, fearing that Hamas has no intention of engaging in the “second phase” of President Trump’s peace deal. Since Israeli forces pulled out, the terror group’s brutality against civilians has become increasingly evident.

According to a Gaza activist, “As soon as Israeli planes vanished from the sky, Hamas began punishing families.”

He added, “They accused people of colluding with Israel, but that’s simply not true. Many only opposed Hamas during the conflict.”

He recounted horrifying stories of men being forcibly taken from their homes and executed without any trial.

“Hamas has been executing civilians in public,” the activist shared, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns. “There are no names, no confessions, just death.”

The turmoil continues even as President Trump announced the start of the second phase of a peace initiative that involves disarming Hamas and forming a new governing body.

“A significant burden has been lifted, but there’s still work ahead,” Trump stated, referencing the return of hostages linked to Hamas on October 7.

He claimed, “Phase 2 begins now!!!”

Despite the president’s assurances, residents and activists in Gaza expressed serious doubts about Hamas’s willingness to advance the peace process. They emphasize that the group has shown no inclination to cooperate.

“Hamas is flaunting its weaponry and strength,” remarked someone from Gaza. “They’re proclaiming, ‘We’re back and stronger than ever.’”

Amin Abed, an activist who fled Gaza after suffering severe abuse from Hamas for opposing the October 7 attack, indicated that the group uses executions to demonstrate its power and has no plans to relinquish control or disarm.

“We’re witnessing Hamas regaining full power. They are omnipresent — acting as police, militias, and security forces,” he stated. “We are genuinely worried that Hamas will resume its reign of terror in Gaza, exposing us once again to the same hardships we’ve lived with for the past 17 years.”

If Hamas stays in control, “the cycle of violence with Israel is bound to resurface,” warned Prime Minister Abe.

“We fear that bloody conflicts will return and that Hamas will strike again like on October 7,” he remarked. “There’s a concern we might be forgotten, and Hamas could oppress us for years.”

According to sources in Gaza, Hamas may attempt to persuade Trump and his allies that they are the only entity capable of providing “security and stability,” hoping to maintain their grip on power.

“Trump and Netanyahu need to pressure Hamas and its backers, such as Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, to honestly uphold the peace agreement,” emphasized the activist. “If Hamas retains any weapons, they will hold onto everything. They won’t vacate Gaza.”

Some analysts ponder the possibility of a civil war among Gaza’s factions, but activists argue that this is unlikely because Hamas is simply too dominant.

“Hamas is far more powerful than any family or smaller group,” noted an activist. “They can eliminate anyone who stands against them. Right now, we witness Hamas waging war on its own people.”

Most Gazans, he added, actually oppose Hamas and crave peace but feel entirely powerless.

“We couldn’t prevent the events of October 7, and we can’t stop Hamas now,” they said. “The world needs to realize that Gazans are not Hamas. We desire peace, not conflict. However, whenever we voice our opinions, Hamas silences us first.”

The activist’s urgent message to the world, while risking his life to communicate with the Post from Gaza, was clear.

“Never leave us to Hamas again.”