It’s hemmed in by Israel’s tanks and troops. US President Donald Trump has threatened it with annihilation. But Hamas, defiant in the ruins of less than half of Gaza, is clawing its way back to a semblance of pre-war governance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration that the Rafah crossing in Gaza would not reopen until Hamas had handed over the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage still in the strip, according to a report by KAN, Israel's public broadcaster.

They often silenced my story and told me not to tell it. Now I am here, sitting in front of the camera, and honestly, no one will silence me anymore.”

An explosive device has detonated in Gaza and wounded one Israeli soldier, prompting Israel to accuse Hamas of violating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire

Hamas is recruiting teenage fighters during Gaza ceasefire after Israeli forces withdrew in October. This as national security analyst Professor Kobi Michael warns about growing militant control.

Asked how soon the second phase of the peace plan could begin, Mr. Trump, standing alongside Netanyahu, said "as quickly as we can" but "there has to be a disarmament" of Hamas. "We have to disarm with Hamas, so one of the things we'll talk about, certainly. But there has to be a disarming of Hamas. Otherwise, very quickly."

Talks between President Donald Trump and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu were meant to spark progress on the second phase of a Gaza peace agreement.

The IDF released graphic video footage Saturday showing Hamas attacks on civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, directly challenging a newly published Hamas report that denies targeting civilians.

A religious studies teacher who described Hamas as “freedom fighters” who “committed no crime” has been allowed to continue in the profession.