IDF Confirms Hamas Rebuilding Military Control in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have officially confirmed that Hamas is actively re-establishing military control and re-arming within the Gaza Strip, contradicting the terms of a ceasefire agreement. According to security officials, Hamas operatives are retrieving rockets and light weapons from storage facilities to secure and strengthen their hold on the territory. These weapons are being taken from caches located in areas still under Hamas's control.

In response to this escalating situation, the IDF's Southern Command conducted a targeted operation, destroying three weapons storage sites and a rocket launch pit. This action followed intelligence provided by the Shin Bet. The Southern Command has significantly increased its operational tempo in recent days, carrying out 16 targeted strikes against Hamas leadership in the past week, resulting in the elimination of 14 militants, including five company commanders and four platoon commanders.

Security officials are observing a growing trend of increased readiness for confrontation since the last ceasefire. This escalation, which began approximately two weeks ago with the launching of incendiary balloons from Gaza, has intensified with direct fire towards IDF forces along the border fence and the detonation of an explosive device against an IDF engineering vehicle. This marks the first time since the ceasefire that the Shin Bet and IDF have identified a heightened willingness from Hamas to engage in direct conflict with Israeli forces.