TEL AVIV, Israel — A shaky ceasefire is holding in the Gaza Strip, yet no one can claim to be fully in charge of the shattered territory.

Gaza lacks a functioning government. Hamas is waging street battles with various Palestinian armed factions. Bulldozers and other construction equipment are desperately needed to clear all the rubble left by two years of war, but are in short supply.

And in the open fields outside Gaza's cities and towns, Israeli troops are keeping watch. They hold just over half of Gaza's territory and periodically open fire when the troops think Palestinians are coming too close to their positions.

Mkhaimar Abusada, a political science professor from Gaza, said the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire overseen by President Trump was welcomed by both Israelis and Pale

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