N※N

Hamas Gains Power in Gaza, Threatening Peace Plan

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -gains-power-in-gaza-threatening-peace-plan.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 23:34 GMT by U.S. News & World Report
      Locales: PALESTINIAN TERRITORY OCCUPIED, ISRAEL, UNITED STATES

GAZA STRIP - February 21st, 2026 - As the Trump administration nears the unveiling of its long-awaited peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a critical and increasingly destabilizing factor is the burgeoning strength of Hamas within the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate Hamas is not merely maintaining control, but actively consolidating its power, strategically expanding its influence over all facets of Gazan life, a development that casts a long shadow over any prospects for a viable, lasting peace.

The situation in Gaza has been evolving rapidly since 2026 began. While previous analyses focused on the humanitarian crisis and intermittent conflict, the current trend indicates a purposeful and methodical strengthening of Hamas's political, security, and economic infrastructure. This isn't simply a reactive response to Israeli policies; it's a proactive assertion of authority, filling the vacuum created by the consistent weakening of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Where the PA once administered essential services - healthcare, education, social welfare - Hamas has systematically stepped in, often improving efficiency and providing a degree of stability that the PA struggled to offer. This has garnered a level of local support, particularly among those disillusioned with the PA's perceived ineffectiveness and corruption.

Intelligence reports, corroborated by multiple sources, suggest a significant upgrade in Hamas's military capabilities. Fighters are better equipped, not just with conventional weaponry, but also with advanced technology like drones and cyber warfare tools. Critically, their deployment is more strategically planned and coordinated than in the past, suggesting a sophisticated command structure and a clear understanding of the operational landscape. This isn't just about quantity; the quality of Hamas's military assets is raising serious concerns among Israeli defense officials, who now assess the group as a more formidable adversary.

The Trump administration's peace plan, shrouded in secrecy for nearly two years, is believed to center around a substantial economic stimulus package for both Israel and Palestine, coupled with security guarantees. The core tenet appears to be fostering economic interdependence as a pathway to stability. However, this strategy rests on the assumption of a willing and capable Palestinian partner, and the current trajectory of Hamas's power grab directly undermines that assumption. Critics of the plan, both within and outside the administration, have consistently warned that it leans heavily in favor of Israeli interests, offering concessions that are unlikely to be accepted by any Palestinian faction committed to self-determination.

"The plan's focus on economic incentives, while not inherently flawed, is predicated on a level of political stability and trust that simply doesn't exist," explains Dr. Fatima Khalil of the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies. "Hamas views these economic overtures not as a genuine peace offering, but as a potential tool to pacify the population and legitimize Israeli control. Their recent actions clearly signal a desire to control the narrative and dictate the terms of any future agreement - a position fundamentally at odds with the compromise needed for a sustainable resolution."

Israeli officials, while publicly maintaining a cautious optimism, are privately expressing deep concern. The strengthening of Hamas complicates any potential security arrangements and increases the risk of escalation. Any deal requiring Hamas to disarm or relinquish control is increasingly unrealistic. The PA, meanwhile, feels increasingly marginalized, fearing that the Trump plan will effectively sideline them and solidify Hamas's de facto rule over Gaza. This has led to simmering tensions between the PA and the US administration, with PA officials accusing Washington of ignoring the realities on the ground and prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term peace.

Adding to the complexity, regional players are also maneuvering. Egypt, traditionally a mediator between Israel and Hamas, is reportedly attempting to engage with the group to prevent further escalation. However, its influence is limited by Hamas's growing independence and its increasingly assertive stance. Qatar, another key player, continues to provide financial support to Gaza, further bolstering Hamas's position.

The question now is whether the Trump administration can realistically bridge the widening chasm between Israel and Palestine. The unveiling of the peace plan is likely to be met with skepticism from all sides, and Hamas's growing strength will undoubtedly be a significant obstacle. If the administration fails to address the fundamental power dynamics within Gaza, and if the plan is perceived as unfairly favoring Israel, the conflict risks becoming further entrenched, potentially leading to another cycle of violence and instability. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether this latest peace initiative can navigate the shifting sands of Gaza and offer a glimmer of hope for a lasting resolution.