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.

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.

Locals are slowly returning home to start the rebuilding process after 15 months of war as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in place.