Hamas regroups in northern Gaza to prepare new offensive

Militant Palestinian group begins to rebuild system of governance in north after being driven out by Israeli forces

Hamas militants have returned to northern Gaza, where they are mobilising against Israeli forces and rebuilding a system of governance, aid officials, Gaza residents, analysts and Israeli officials say.

Elsewhere in Gaza, Hamas administrators and police maintain firm control of the south, where much of the population is concentrated, though civil order is breaking down in central regions.