Hamas Weapons Cache Under Scrutiny Amid Israeli Airstrikes

Recent Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad weapons depots in Gaza have sparked debate about the extent of the militant groups' armament capabilities. The strikes, which reportedly hit former workshops beneath residential buildings, come amid claims that Hamas and other factions still possess significant weaponry, though largely consisting of light arms like Kalashnikovs.

Sources from Palestinian factions told i24news that while Hamas has acquired weapons from tribal caches and private sellers since the last conflict, these acquisitions are not considered impactful. They also noted that the groups are manufacturing some explosive devices and rockets, but their capacity is limited by a lack of quality raw materials.

These developments follow comments by former US envoy Jared Kushner, who suggested Hamas's militarization exceeded expectations and that disarming the group would be difficult. His remarks were made after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials, including the Shin Bet chief, who reportedly presented intelligence indicating Hamas's substantial arsenal.

Samir Masharawi, a leader in a Fatah splinter faction, revealed that his group had urged Hamas and other factions to hand over their weapons to a Palestinian entity rather than Israel, arguing that weapons are not sacred and can be reacquired.

However, Palestinian sources indicate that factions can still procure weapons, but their willingness to disarm is contingent on Israel adhering to ceasefire agreements and halting ongoing operations, such as the alleged abduction of a security official from Gaza. Islamic Jihad Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhalah has reportedly issued a directive against disarming under current conditions, a stance supported by Hamas, which links disarmament to full security stability and a political path toward a Palestinian state.