Hamas Retains Significant Military Capabilities Despite War Losses

Despite nearly three years of war, Hamas continues to maintain a substantial military potential, including tens of thousands of fighters and extensive underground infrastructure, according to a report by Channel 12 correspondent Ohad Hamo. Hamo estimates that Hamas still has between 25,000 and 30,000 militants. Evidence of the group's organizational resilience was seen at a recent funeral in Gaza, where dozens of armed individuals, presumed to be Hamas members, were present.

Hamas's network of underground tunnels remains operational, with some routes being reinforced, particularly in areas outside the "Yellow Line." The report also highlights the group's continued capacity for rocket production, utilizing manufacturing equipment in areas not subjected to IDF ground operations, including within populated areas. While rocket fire has ceased due to fear of Israeli retaliation, production facilities are reportedly still functioning.

The organization is also preserving its existing arsenal by distributing weapons to affiliated individuals not formally part of its ranks. Furthermore, there are indications of potential arms smuggling from Egypt via drones, though the scale of these operations is not yet clear. Hamo suggests that while the IDF and Shin Bet's military operations have weakened Hamas, they have not eliminated its core components: manpower, underground infrastructure, and weapons production and resupply capabilities.

Hamo believes that military operations alone are insufficient to alter the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for complementary diplomatic initiatives alongside military pressure. Previously, it was reported that Egypt's head of intelligence, Abbas Kamel, had repeatedly warned Israel of a potential attack from Gaza.