Hamas Claims Victory, Prepares for Gaza Ground Battle

Hamas leadership views its ability to resist the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for three years as a victory, according to Israeli intelligence assessments. This perspective persists even though Israeli forces reportedly control approximately 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, with Hamas officials considering this territorial control temporary. Security officials noted that Hamas militants are convincing themselves they have not been defeated, citing their prolonged resistance against what they call the strongest army in the region. A senior security official stated, "They convince themselves, and we see it, that by starting the attack with men in beards, jalabiyas, and sandals, and thanks to their steadfast resistance to the IDF even after three years, they have not been defeated. They did not surrender to the army that everyone calls the strongest in the Middle East."

Despite internal disagreements between Hamas's local leadership and its representatives in Qatar, the organization is actively preparing for potential Israeli ground maneuvers toward Gaza City. Preparations include recruiting new agents, distributing weapons, constructing defensive tunnels, and manufacturing explosive devices. Meanwhile, Israeli military and security forces are continuing targeted operations to eliminate participants in past attacks and dismantle terrorist infrastructure.