Israel is closing in on what many believe could be a defining, perhaps final, blow to Hamas. The militant group is battered, isolated, and running out of moves — leaving Israel in a commanding position after months of relentless fighting.
Hamas Left Without a Lifeline
Hamas, once a dominant force in Gaza, now looks more like a shadow of its former self. Its infrastructure has been obliterated, supply lines cut, and leadership increasingly on the run. Israeli forces, undeterred and methodical, have pressed forward, dismantling key operational hubs and targeting high-level commanders.
Even Hamas’s usual allies are either tied up in their own conflicts or unwilling to step in. The Houthis, often vocal in their support, are now locked in battles with US forces, leaving little room to assist Gaza. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has retreated — nursing wounds from its own recent confrontations in Lebanon and Syria. Iran, typically a backer of regional proxies, is bogged down by internal economic struggles and global sanctions, rendering its influence less effective.
This leaves Hamas alone, with dwindling resources and shrinking morale. What was once a movement boasting regional backing and ideological fervor now faces a harsh reality: the safety net is gone.
Saudi-Israel-US Deal Reshapes the Region
The looming normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the US is more than a diplomatic breakthrough. It’s a tectonic shift in Middle Eastern politics — one that leaves Hamas increasingly irrelevant.
For years, the group positioned itself as a champion of Palestinian resistance, counting on sympathy from Arab nations. But the Arab world’s priorities are changing. Economic development, stability, and technological cooperation now take precedence over ideological solidarity with Hamas’s hardline stance.
Saudi Arabia’s willingness to engage with Israel signals a broader pivot. Regional powers are more interested in alliances that promise prosperity than in perpetuating endless cycles of violence. For Hamas, this signals the death knell of its political influence.
Egypt’s Surprising Move: Sinai Opens Its Doors
Perhaps the most unexpected development is Egypt’s shift in policy. Cairo, long resistant to absorbing Palestinian refugees, has agreed to a temporary resettlement of up to 500,000 Palestinians in the Sinai Peninsula. It’s a drastic, unprecedented move — one that hints at a broader recognition that Gaza, as it once existed, may no longer be sustainable.
This decision marks a turning point, both logistically and symbolically. It’s not just about providing refuge; it’s an acknowledgment that the situation on the ground has reached a breaking point. The idea of a rebuilt Gaza under Hamas control now feels more improbable than ever.
For Egypt, a country that traditionally kept a wary distance from the Gaza conflict, this shift signals a readiness to reshape the region’s humanitarian landscape. It’s a bitter pill for Hamas, which has long relied on the symbolism of Gaza as a bastion of resistance.
What’s Next for Israel and Hamas?
Israel’s leadership is already looking beyond the battlefield. With Hamas on the ropes, the conversation is shifting towards what comes after the guns fall silent. Will Gaza be rebuilt under international oversight? Could the Palestinian Authority, long sidelined, regain a foothold? And what role might the emerging Saudi-Israel-US pact play in shaping the territory’s future?
Hamas’s decline doesn’t automatically guarantee peace. Extremist splinter groups could rise from the rubble, and regional players like Iran may still attempt to exert influence. But the momentum has undeniably shifted.
For now, Israel holds the upper hand — militarily, diplomatically, and strategically. Whether this truly marks the end of Hamas’s reign in Gaza remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the landscape of the conflict has changed, and there’s no turning back.
