President Donald Trump recently traveled to Israel on his way to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt to meet with leading countries over his 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas.
Trump was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli politicians in the Knesset with standing ovations. He was present in Israel as all living hostages were released by Hamas in Gaza.
It is a time for great celebration. However, Hamas appears to be preparing a campaign of violent retribution against anyone it views as an obstacle to its renewed control over Gaza. In the coming days, this could manifest in a mafia-style execution of individuals the group labels as collaborators. Entire clans and factions that have resisted Hamas’s rule or are suspected of cooperating with Israel are reportedly being marked for reprisal.
A telegram channel affiliated with Hamas has openly declared that collaborators will be targeted. According to a BBC report, Hamas has mobilized roughly 7,000 fighters to reassert dominance within Gaza.
Despite suffering heavy losses during the war, including the deaths of numerous commanders, the group has been rapidly replenishing its ranks. New leaders have been appointed to oversee reorganized cells, platoons, companies, battalions, and brigadesโsignaling Hamas’s determination to reestablish its grip through intimidation and fear.
Here’s my take.
There is certainly jubilation in Israel for the release of the remaining 20 living hostages after 2 years of war. But what happens next with Hamas remains a question among Israelis. Will they step down from power or will they defiantly refuse to abide by the 20-point peace plan? And how will the country’s meeting in Egypt influence Hamas to leave and help rebuild Gaza?
Well, we’re going to have to wait and see. But for today, we rejoice in the Lord.
