Part 16/18:
The prolonged stalemate is compounded by external influences. Iran and regional actors have strategic interests in Gaza, supporting Hamas and allied groups, while Israel and the United States focus on degrading militant capabilities. The internal divisions within Gaza, coupled with external support for rival factions, suggest that instability could persist long-term—possibly culminating in an eventual upheaval or power redistribution.
Moreover, the potential for Gaza residents to rise against Hamas remains distant but plausible. Grassroots protests have been suppressed through violence and intimidation, but with continued hardship and disillusionment fueled by internal dissent and external pressures, an eventual broader uprising cannot be ruled out.