The group's gunmen are guarding aid convoys on Gaza's dusty roads, and its blue-uniformed police once again patrol city streets, sending a clear message: Hamas remains in charge.

In truth, the first phase of the deal is relatively easy to implement and gives all parties a respite from draining conflict. After the six-week ceasefire, any extension will depend on the success of future negotiations,

Of all the images to have streamed out of Gaza on Sunday, perhaps the most telling was, ironically, that of a camera itself.

Nir Barka also said that former U.S. President Joe Biden "restrained Israel," and expressed optimism about support from President Donald Trump.

"It is striking that Israel was not mentioned in the president's inauguration speech," a senior Hamas official told Newsweek.

Emily Damari, one of the first hostages freed by Hamas in the cease-fire agreement, is speaking out for the first time following her release.

As a ceasefire brought calm to Gaza's ruined cities, Hamas was quick to emerge from hiding.The militant group has not only survived 15 months of war with Israel — among the deadliest and most destructive in recent memory — but it remains firmly in control of the coastal territory that now resembles an apocalyptic wasteland.

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

In a rare move hours after the cease-fire took effect, one senior Hamas official said the group wants to engage the new Trump administration.

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The group is set to release the more than 90 hostages over the coming weeks as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel.