Can Hamas remain in charge?

It's tricky because during the war Hamas military wear civilian clothing, but after the ceasefire a great many men seem to be wearing military wear. Hamas is also the government and controls aid to civilians. Also, Hamas encourages women to have children that can grow up to be martyrs and pays them if their children are martyred or imprisoned.

Not all Palestinians in Gaza support Hamas, but I suspect very few would say they did not as Hamas is so deeply embedded in their culture.

Exactly, when people ask how did Gvir, Smotrich et al get elected, that attitude is how.

Considering that Hamas could have ended this by surrendering and giving up the hostages and now call it a victory despite the huge loss of Palestinian lives, gives some idea of how valuable Hamas considers Palestinian lives.

Is there a clear-cut divide between Hamas and the people who live in Palestine?
Hamas live in Palastine with their families?

I don't really understand why dozens of Hamas prisoners have to be released for each single Israeli prisoner. Does anyone know why this is?

Surely if you care about Palestine you wouldn't want this??

@SpunkyCritic absolutely.

WTH??

As long as the blue haired and black shrouded recognise that when Hamas attack Israel again, as they will, Israel has the right to flatten Gaza.

Did Palestinians once, some years ago, vote Hamas into power - 10 years or so ago?

Are you saying Palestinians think that Hamas is good for them?

It is beyond naive, just plain stupid to think that Hamas do not want convicted terrorists released to continue their campaign of hate.
These will be released in the later stages, after the World has seen the women released.
Where is the outrage for this? Why aren't people mad that a terror organisation is wanting murderers released?
Surely if you care about Palestine you wouldn't want this??

SharonEllis: 'I think its really, really strange that people that style themselves pro-Palestinian are so incurious about how Hamas treats their own people.' You've made some brilliant points Sharon.

I pray that Palestinians will be brave enough to rise up and see them for what they are. Have watched many documentaries, and it's so sad to see little children saying they want to be martyrs when they grow up.

Because there are a lot more Hamas prisoners than Israeli ones.

@mids2019

As Blinken pointed out there are more Hamas fighters now than at the start and this does indicate there is a section of Paelstinain society who at heart out their hatred of Israelis above a lasting prosperous peace.

Maybe you need to think about it differently. We are talking about people who have been starved, bombed and maimed, lost their schools, hospitals, homes, businesses and agricultural land. Where every family has lost a loved one. Where thousands of children will live their lives without a limb. You can see how this ongoing trauma will grow hate and ultimately terrorism.

Blinken said an awful lot more than that in the issue. The US have been saying that Israel risk driving more Palestinian's towards Hamas with the war since quite early on. blinken lays down a path to peace in the speech you are referencing where he points out that if you don't fill the void and offer a peaceful political path to a Palestinian state and security, safety and prosperity then the growth of Hamas or an even darker monster is inevitable.

Follow the conversation. We ate talking about which prisoners or detainees are better released for the people of Gaza. Terrorists and murderers in the 1000 or do or detainees?

That Hamas are scum, and that they'll never stop until Israel are allowed to eradicate them completely.

And before anyone asks "eradicate them completely" means wiping out every last one.

Rubbish. What was most important for the people of Gaza was stopping the genocide.