Hamas Claims Victory, Prepares for New Battles Amidst Israeli Operations

Hamas considers itself victorious in its conflict with Israel, despite significant territorial losses and ongoing Israeli military operations, according to intelligence assessments presented to Israeli leadership. The organization views its ability to sustain resistance for three years as proof that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not achieved its complete defeat. Hamas is also preparing for a potential IDF advance on Gaza City, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing the intelligence.

Israeli intelligence agencies believe Hamas leaders see prolonged resistance against a powerful army as an achievement in itself, even with Israeli forces controlling approximately 70 percent of the Gaza Strip. Hamas views this Israeli territorial control as temporary and aims to avoid admitting defeat by maintaining combat-ready units and continuing armed resistance. A senior Israeli security official noted that Hamas is using the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war to frame their narrative, believing they have withstood the IDF despite Israel's superior weaponry and technology.

Despite reported disagreements between Hamas leaders in Gaza and those in Qatar, the group is actively preparing for potential expanded IDF ground operations. They are focusing on defending Gaza City, where new Israeli troop movements are anticipated. Hamas is recruiting new members, distributing weapons, and fortifying underground infrastructure, including defensive tunnels and explosive devices, to impede the IDF's advance in urban areas.

Concurrently, Israeli military and intelligence services continue their operations against Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, targeting militants involved in previous attacks and destroying facilities used for armed activities. Earlier, Hamas had issued a warning to the United States.