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Replacing Hamas: A Complex Challenge

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, January 11th 2026 at 11:47 GMT by The Globe and Mail

The Challenges of Replacing Hamas

Hamas's grip on Gaza is far more comprehensive than simply holding governmental office. The organization provides essential social services - healthcare, education, and welfare - contributing to a level of stability, albeit one born of conflict. Furthermore, Hamas maintains a significant and well-equipped military force, effectively controlling the security landscape within the Gaza Strip. Any attempt to simply dismantle Hamas without establishing a credible and accepted alternative risks creating a catastrophic void.

The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, has been frequently presented as a potential successor to Hamas. However, the PA itself faces crippling challenges. Its legitimacy has eroded significantly over years of political stagnation and perceived corruption. Internal divisions further weaken its capacity to effectively govern, let alone assume control of Gaza.

Several scenarios are being considered, each fraught with risk. One possibility involves an interim administration, perhaps a coalition of local Gazan actors, potentially overseen or supported by the PA. This would require significant buy-in from the Gazan population, a demographic deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict and increasingly wary of external interference. Another, less likely, option would see an international peacekeeping force taking the lead in governance, but the history of such interventions in the region suggests such a plan faces significant hurdles and risks accusations of neo-colonialism.

The West Bank's Precarious Position

The instability in Gaza doesn't exist in a vacuum. It has profound implications for the West Bank. The PA's already fragile authority is further strained by the ongoing conflict, and the perception that the international community is prioritizing Gaza's future at the expense of addressing West Bank concerns only exacerbates tensions. Any attempt to impose a new governance structure in Gaza without simultaneously addressing the underlying political issues - the stalled peace process, continued settlement expansion, and the lack of a clear path to Palestinian statehood - risks further undermining the PA's position and potentially fueling unrest.

Furthermore, the potential resurgence of extremist factions in Gaza is a significant concern. A power vacuum could provide fertile ground for radical groups to exploit the chaos and challenge any newly established authority, leading to an escalation of violence and a broader regional conflict.

Netanyahu's Stance and the Prospects for Diplomacy

Prime Minister Netanyahu's uncompromising stance - his vow to "eliminate" Hamas - represents a significant impediment to any diplomatic solution. While Israel's security concerns are understandable, such a maximalist approach makes compromise and a negotiated transition exceedingly difficult. It effectively shuts down avenues for dialogue and limits the options for a sustainable future for Gaza.

The international community faces a formidable challenge. A superficial transition focused solely on replacing Hamas without addressing the underlying grievances and political realities driving the conflict is doomed to fail. A lasting solution requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the root causes of the conflict, strengthening the PA's legitimacy, fostering reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, and ensuring the long-term security and prosperity of both populations. Failing to do so risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability for generations to come.

Ultimately, the future of Gaza depends on a willingness from all parties - Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and the international community - to engage in genuine dialogue, compromise, and a commitment to a long-term vision for peace and security.