October 14, 2025 – Hamas fighters have tightened their grip on Gaza, carrying out public executions and asserting control over key routes, raising serious questions about the durability of the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The developments come just days after a U.S.-brokered truce aimed at ending two years of devastating conflict in the region.

Public Executions and Increased Visibility

In a stark display of authority, Hamas executed men accused of collaborating with Israeli forces. In a video circulated Monday, seven men were forced to kneel in front of a crowd in Gaza City before being shot from behind. Hamas sources confirmed the video’s authenticity, signaling the group’s return to assertive governance in Gaza.

Residents report seeing Hamas fighters increasingly visible on streets and along routes essential for aid deliveries, underscoring the group’s operational control. Palestinian security sources indicate that dozens of people have been killed in clashes between Hamas and rival factions over the past few days.

Continued Violence Despite Ceasefire

Although Israeli forces have partially withdrawn from urban areas under the ceasefire, violence continues. Drone fire killed five Palestinians in a suburb east of Gaza City, while an airstrike near Khan Younis killed one person and injured another. Israel stated that its military fired upon individuals crossing truce lines and approaching forces after ignoring warnings.

These incidents highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire, despite U.S. President Donald Trump declaring the end of the war and the “historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

Challenges to Trump’s Ceasefire Plan

Hamas’ resumption of street patrols and public executions illustrates the significant challenges in implementing a long-term peace plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the war cannot truly end until Hamas is disarmed, a condition the group has rejected. Past ceasefires collapsed under similar circumstances, raising doubts about the durability of the current truce.

Even as rubble clearing begins to restore key routes and infrastructure, aid distribution remains limited. The population of 2.2 million in Gaza continues to face famine conditions, with many relying on international aid. UNICEF confirmed that basic supplies including tents, tarpaulins, winter clothing, and hygiene kits have started reaching residents, but larger-scale aid deliveries are still needed.

Hostages and Humanitarian Concerns

The ceasefire followed the release of the last 20 living hostages by Hamas, yet at least 23 hostages are officially declared dead, with one unaccounted for. The Israeli military has confirmed the identities of four hostages recently returned. Families fear some remains may be lost under rubble, prompting the formation of an international task force to locate bodies.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The local Civil Defence Service has recovered 250 bodies since the truce began, while the broader conflict has left tens of thousands dead and extensive destruction across the enclave.

The Road Ahead

Hamas continues to assert control over Gaza, deploying fighters and hundreds of workers to clear debris and repair infrastructure. While this is necessary for aid distribution and daily life, the group’s military presence and public enforcement actions signal ongoing instability.

Observers warn that without strict adherence to ceasefire terms and robust international oversight, further outbreaks of violence could jeopardize fragile peace efforts in the region.