For the Islamist militant group, armed struggle now looks like a dead end. Its future in Gaza depends on the civilian politburo.

Hamas remained in power through four previous wars with Israel. With help from Iran it steadily enhanced its capabilities, extended the range of its rockets and built deeper and longer tunnels to hide from Israeli airstrikes. By Oct. 7, 2023, it had an army of tens of thousands in organized battalions.

After Israeli troops stood down when a cease-fire came into effect in the Gaza Strip, Hamas began sending thousands of its forces into the streets in a show of force.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s top general resigned on Tuesday, citing the security and intelligence failures related to Hamas’ surprise attack that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel meanwhile launched a large operation in the occupied West Bank, killing at least eight people, according to Palestinian officials.

"A Hamas state will not only not solve the conflict, but will deteriorate security, peace and stability of the region," stated Gideon Sa'ar.

Sunday’s delayed start to the truce was a minor problem compared with the difficult choices and American leverage needed to get both parties to the second phase, which could end the war.

CBS’ “Face the Nation" — Waltz; Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Brett McGurk, White House adviser for the Middle East; Save the Children President & CEO Janti Soeripto. “Fox News Sunday” — Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa.; Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — After 15 months of collective grief and anxiety, three Israeli hostages left Hamas captivity and returned to Israel, and dozens of Palestinian prisoners walked free from Israeli jail, leaving both Israelis and Palestinians torn between celebration and trepidation as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold Sunday.

The deal was set to be ratified by the Israeli Cabinet on Thursday. But Netanyahu says, without specifying, that Hamas has gone back on several parts of the ceasefire deal at the last minute.

The model of a two-state solution is bruised and damaged but is the only viable way to prevent further and more intense violence in coming years, writes John Lyons.

Israel has freed 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The release came early Monday, more than seven hours after three Israeli hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza returned to Israel.