Hamas's Post-War Strategy: Global Reach and Political Ambitions

Despite significant military setbacks in Gaza, Hamas is actively working to rebuild its capabilities and influence, aiming to return to power. While Israel focuses on the military aspect of the conflict, Hamas leadership is rehabilitating all its branches, seeking to leverage the war for political and strategic gains. Although Hamas's brigades in Gaza have been dismantled and its command structure broken, its military wing persists in a reduced form, posing an ongoing threat.

Hamas views the current situation as an opportunity for military and political rehabilitation, refusing to disarm. Israel faces challenges in forcing Hamas to relinquish its weapons, partly due to international pressure and internal Israeli considerations regarding the prolonged nature of the conflict. Hamas leaders are aware of these complexities and intend to exploit them.

Three years after the October 7th attacks, Hamas draws encouragement from the renewed global focus on the Palestinian issue, which has become a central concern. Hamas argues that neglecting the Palestinian problem poses a threat to global stability, citing the October 7th attacks as proof. Key international players, including Turkey and Qatar, are reportedly supporting Hamas's efforts to pressure Israel into resolving the Palestinian issue, while also maintaining communication channels with the US administration.

Hamas is also seeking to regain political influence by aiming for control of the Palestinian parliament and political life, while preserving its military strength. The article highlights that Hamas is attempting to remove Israeli obstacles to Gaza's reconstruction. Furthermore, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in exchange for hostages are reportedly residing in countries like Turkey and Qatar, potentially forming a reserve force for Hamas if it resumes fighting Israel from abroad.

The author suggests that Israel failed to adequately understand Hamas's motivations and intentions prior to October 7th, urging a deeper study of the enemy. The article concludes that the lesson from October 7th has not been learned, and the indifference towards the Palestinian issue persists.