This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
Published on November 14, 2019, a significant shift in Hamas' role has been observed. Once an agitator for violent conflict with Israel, Hamas has transformed into Gaza's ruler, responsible for maintaining peace.
Historically, Hamas played a similar role to Islamic Jihad, attacking Israeli soldiers and civilians to appear fierce compared to Fatah, which sought a negotiated settlement with Israel. However, as Gaza's ruler, Hamas has been seeking a long-term cease-fire with Israel to ease the Israeli-Egyptian blockade and rebuild Gaza's economy.
Islamic Jihad, with its roughly 6,000 militants, has often accused Hamas of doing the same thing as Fatah, cooperating with Israel on the West Bank. This accusation is not unfounded, as Hamas has been held responsible by Gaza residents for the awful conditions in the territory.
Recently, Islamic Jihad's leader, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, proposed a cease-fire with Israel, including a ban on future assassinations and the use of live ammunition against Palestinian protesters. Israel confirmed a cease-fire had gone into effect, and reports suggest it has agreed to refrain from using live fire at the Gaza border fence.
