A US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza last October has transformed Hamas from a self-defense battle with Israel into a struggle for control of the region.

The war has reduced Hamas’s military strength to a mere rabble, with many of its leaders killed.

Gaza’s buildings and infrastructure have been largely destroyed; much of the population displaced; and its economy has been crippled.

More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the conflict, according to the Hamas-led Health Ministry.

Four months after the ceasefire, Palestinians in Gaza say Hamas has expanded its control over security, tax revenue and government services.

This raises questions about its long-term strategy and whether the group is ready to disarm and hand over power.

Mohamed Diab, a rights activist in Gaza, says Hamas has regained control of 90 percent of the territory.

“The police and security forces are back. And they are now operating on the streets; they are preventing crime and searching for people who are considered collaborators and thinkers. People have to go to Hamas authorities to get ID or health services. They are re-extending control over the justice system and the courts,” he says.