The recent return of 20 living hostages has brought a moment of relief to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, coinciding with a special Simchat Torah celebration. However, experts warn that the Israel-Hamas conflict is far from resolved.

World leaders gathered in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss the situation, but the optimism surrounding the hostages' return is seen as a temporary reprieve. Despite this brief period of celebration, violence continues. Reports indicate that Hamas executed dozens of individuals in Gaza this week, highlighting the group's ongoing brutality.

Hamas is unlikely to disarm or dissolve, and it may use this moment to regroup despite suffering significant losses on the battlefield. The organization has been actively eliminating its rivals and is expected to seek greater control over the 47 percent of Gaza it currently governs.

The group's ideology, which fundamentally rejects the existence of the State of Israel, suggests that it will not surrender. There is no viable alternative government in Gaza, either from within or imposed by the international community.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan proposed deploying an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, but implementation has stalled. Critics argue that mobilization should have occurred immediately after Hamas signed the ceasefire agreement.

As the international community has allowed Hamas to operate without oversight, the group is reportedly reestablishing its presence in Gaza. It is believed to be replenishing its ranks and resupplying its militant cells, which could enhance its capacity for insurgency. Hamas is also likely to rebuild its infrastructure, including tunnels and weaponry, in preparation for future conflicts.

International aid is beginning to flow into Gaza through non-governmental organizations, but this could inadvertently support Hamas. Reports from Israeli intelligence claim that at least 18 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were involved in the October 7 attacks, raising concerns about the agency's operations in the region.

Israel has created the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to limit resources available to Hamas. However, the influx of humanitarian aid could undermine the ceasefire agreement. If Hamas remains in power, it may divert aid for military purposes while neglecting its rivals.

The ceasefire agreement lacks the authority to compel Hamas to disarm or accept an international governing body. Without transitional forces to maintain peace, Hamas may feel emboldened. The vague language of the ceasefire could allow Hamas to reconstitute itself.

Israel's leadership is aware of Hamas's unwillingness to surrender. They negotiated the recent deal primarily to secure the release of hostages. With Hamas losing its leverage, the ongoing conflict remains a significant concern, as history shows missed opportunities for peace often lead to further violence. The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, and the war is far from over.