Hamas Retains Significant Military Strength Despite War Losses

Nearly three years after the October 7th attacks, Hamas, while severely impacted by the ongoing war, remains a formidable force, according to a report by Ohad Hemo, the Palestinian affairs correspondent for Channel 12 News. The organization is estimated to still possess between 25,000 and 30,000 militants. Recent funeral processions in Gaza have shown dozens of openly armed individuals, many likely affiliated with Hamas.

Beyond its manpower, Hamas continues to maintain and fortify its extensive tunnel network, particularly in areas beyond the Gaza border. The group is also operating rocket manufacturing workshops in areas not yet entered by the IDF and within densely populated civilian areas. While rocket launches have ceased for now, possibly due to fear of Israeli retaliation, the production capability persists.

Hamas is actively preserving its weapons stockpiles and has recently distributed arms to residents identified as supporters, even if they are not official members. This strategy aims to ensure weapons remain available to its sympathizers should the organization be compelled to surrender its arsenal in the future.

Furthermore, Hamas is reportedly smuggling weapons from Egypt using drones, though the scale of these operations is currently unknown. Hemo concludes that Hamas, though significantly damaged, has not disappeared. It retains personnel, underground infrastructure, domestic production capabilities, and channels for rearmament.

Hemo emphasized that alongside the ongoing military operations by the IDF and Shin Bet, a political initiative is needed to complement military pressure and shape the future reality in the Gaza Strip.