In Gaza, Hamas has taken advantage of a recent ceasefire with Israel to rebuild both its military capabilities and leadership structure. Since Israeli forces withdrew from certain areas of Gaza in October 2025, Hamas has filled the power vacuum left behind, restoring its presence on the streets and targeting suspected opponents. Reports indicate that Hamas is actively reconstructing its regime of terror in significant portions of the territory it controls, even where Israel Defense Forces previously operated. This resurgence has coincided with plans to elect a new political leader following the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. The leadership race within Hamas is tightly contested, with Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal seen as the frontrunners. Hayya is favored due to his popularity in Gaza and involvement in the West Bank, while both candidates are viewed as problematic because of their militant tendencies. The public and political atmosphere suggests that regardless of who emerges victorious in the leadership contest, the group's ideology and approach towards armed resistance will likely remain unchanged. This aspect raises concerns regarding the potential for escalating violence in the region. A particularly alarming development is the recruitment of teenagers into Hamas during the ceasefire period. Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, highlights that the organization is capitalizing on its control over the western part of Gaza to attract young recruits. With many teens seeking purpose and facing dire economic circumstances, Hamas offers what is perceived as reliable employment, albeit in the context of militarized involvement. Many of these youths have also suffered personal losses, which creates an additional motivation for joining the ranks of the organization. As Hamas continues to bolster its military infrastructure while simultaneously grooming a new generation of fighters, the dynamics in Gaza evolve rapidly. With complete freedom of movement, they are reportedly also re-establishing tunnel networks previously utilized for military activities against Israel. The consequences of this rebuilding effort not only threaten the stability of Gaza but also exacerbate the ongoing conflict with Israel, making it imperative for observers to monitor the situation closely.