An analysis published on August 22, 2026 argues that Hamas has suffered severe military, organisational and governing losses in Gaza but cannot be considered dissolved. The article says Hamas lost public administrative control after a ceasefire agreement with Israel mediated by US President Donald Trump, and dissolved government committees while discussions over disarmament continue.
The report says senior leaders, military commanders and hundreds of fighters have been killed since Israel’s military campaign following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. Gaza has been devastated, and Hamas’s capacity to govern has declined. However, geopolitical analysts cited in the article argue that partial military defeat or loss of administrative authority does not end a political movement or erase its influence.
Hamas remains relevant to discussions on prisoner exchanges, ceasefire negotiations, internal security and postwar arrangements, the article says. It describes the group as a social, religious, political, military and security network, while noting public anger in Gaza and criticism of Hamas. Analysts say Hamas may be transforming rather than disappearing and would not surrender arms while Israeli troops remain in Gaza.