In the early hours of October 11, 2025, a dramatic shift unfolded in Gaza as Hamas police reappeared on the streets, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s turbulent recent history. This re-emergence came on the heels of Israeli troops withdrawing from specified positions, a move that signaled the initial implementation of a cease-fire deal brokered by President Trump in concert with Arab and Muslim countries, according to The Wall Street Journal and Fox News Channel reports.
The scene was striking: tens of thousands of Palestinians, many displaced to southern Gaza during the two-year conflict, began making their way north, returning to what was left of their homes. The United Nations estimated that about 180,000 people had started the journey back, even as satellite images and eyewitness accounts revealed large swathes of the enclave reduced to rubble by Israeli military operations. For many, the return was bittersweet—a homecoming shadowed by devastation.
Reuters footage obtained on Saturday captured Hamas police officers in uniform, directing traffic and maintaining order in busy markets. Their presence was confirmed by local residents. "I saw them deploying noticeably in the markets and they are keeping traffic moving," said 22-year-old Hazem Srour of Deir al-Balah, as quoted by The Wall Street Journal. The sight of Hamas police—once driven underground by Israeli offensives—was both a reassurance of stability for some and a cause for concern for others, especially given the terms of the fragile peace deal.
The cease-fire, orchestrated with significant input from President Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was designed to bring an end to two years of war that had torn Gaza apart. As part of the arrangement, Israel agreed to withdraw from parts of Gaza, allow a surge of humanitarian aid, and release thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of roughly 20 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of around 28 more, still held by Hamas. The first phase of this deal, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, was underway, with both sides moving to fulfill their commitments.
Yet the re-emergence of Hamas police so soon after the Israeli withdrawal has raised eyebrows—and alarms—in international circles. The peace deal’s second phase, set to begin negotiations as early as October 14, 2025, hinges on Hamas relinquishing its military and governmental control of Gaza, disarming, and allowing the formation of an interim administration, potentially overseen by international troops. The sight of Hamas police asserting authority in public spaces could complicate these next steps.
Former national security advisor John Hannah voiced his apprehensions on Fox News Channel’s ‘Fox Report,’ stating he was "worried about Hamas re-asserting control in Gaza as Israeli forces withdraw from specified positions." His concerns echo those of many observers who fear that the group’s public reappearance could undermine the delicate balance the cease-fire seeks to establish. "The early re-emergence of Hamas could pose problems for the deal, which requires the group to give up government and military control of Gaza and to demilitarize," The Wall Street Journal noted.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The United Nations and other aid agencies are preparing to deliver a massive influx of assistance, with between 400 and 600 trucks expected to enter the enclave in the coming days. Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told The Wall Street Journal, "We’re ready to implement our plan with the increase of aid as soon as possible. We hope it will start imminently." However, COGAT, the Israeli unit responsible for humanitarian coordination, cautioned that the surge in aid could take several days to materialize, citing ongoing logistical discussions and other concerns.
The return of displaced Palestinians is a testament to both the resilience of Gaza’s population and the complexity of the situation they face. Many are coming back to neighborhoods that no longer exist, forced to confront the daunting task of rebuilding lives amid ruins. Satellite images released in the past week show entire districts flattened, and aid groups warn that restoring basic services—water, electricity, medical care—will require sustained international support.
The peace deal’s architects, including President Trump’s envoys, have been active on the ground. On Saturday, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Gaza as postwar planning accelerated, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Their presence was seen as a signal of the United States’ commitment to ensuring that the cease-fire holds and that the next phase of negotiations proceeds as planned. The involvement of Arab and Muslim countries has also been critical, providing diplomatic leverage and resources to facilitate the transition.
Yet, as negotiations for the second phase of the deal loom, uncertainty hangs over Gaza’s future. The requirement for Hamas to disarm and step back from governance remains a major sticking point. The group’s swift deployment of police forces suggests it may be reluctant to cede power without significant guarantees. At the same time, Israel and its allies are wary of any arrangement that allows Hamas to maintain a foothold, citing security concerns and the risk of renewed conflict.
For ordinary Gazans, the political maneuvering is, at times, a distant backdrop to the immediate challenges of survival. The prospect of increased humanitarian aid offers a glimmer of hope, but the scale of destruction means recovery will be a long road. Aid organizations are urging the international community to remain engaged, warning that any lapse in support could lead to further instability.
As the dust settles from the most recent round of violence, the streets of Gaza are once again filled with the sounds of daily life—albeit under the watchful eyes of Hamas police and amid the ruins of war. The coming days will be critical, as negotiators seek to turn a tenuous cease-fire into a lasting peace, and as the people of Gaza begin the arduous process of rebuilding not just their homes, but the fabric of their society.
Whether the current calm will hold, or whether old patterns of violence and control will reassert themselves, remains to be seen. For now, Gaza stands at a crossroads, its future shaped as much by the resilience of its people as by the decisions of those who claim to lead them.