Hamas Plans 'Winter Campaign' Against Israel Using Humanitarian Claims
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
New intelligence reveals Hamas is planning a "winter campaign" to blame Israel for humanitarian issues in Gaza and undermine the IDF's operations. Hamas intends to use images of weather-damaged tents to garner international pressure. Security officials confirm awareness of the plan, stating the humanitarian situation is improved but Israel will block dual-use equipment that could aid Hamas's military efforts.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas plans a "winter campaign" to blame Israel for humanitarian issues in Gaza.
- The campaign aims to undermine IDF legitimacy and allow Hamas to rebuild forces.
- Hamas intends to use images of weather-damaged tents to pressure Israel internationally.
- Israeli officials confirm awareness of the incitement campaign and improved humanitarian conditions.
- Israel will block dual-use equipment that could aid Hamas's military capabilities.
New intelligence indicates that senior Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip are advancing a large-scale public relations campaign ahead of the winter season. The objective is to replicate the effect of a "starvation campaign" and hold Israel responsible for the humanitarian deterioration in the Strip. This strategy aims to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF's continued fighting and provide the organization time to rebuild its forces, according to a report by Shirit Avitan.
Intelligence assessments suggest Hamas intends to use images of flooded tents and shelters damaged by rain to enlist the international community's support for heavy political pressure on Israel. This is despite data from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) showing that tens of thousands of tents and thousands of equipment trucks, including tarpaulins, blankets, and warm clothing, have been brought into the Strip in recent months.
A security official acknowledged awareness of Hamas's attempts to leverage weather conditions for an incitement campaign. The official stated that the humanitarian situation regarding winter supplies is significantly better compared to previous periods. However, Israel will not permit the entry of dual-use equipment or caravans that could aid Hamas in rebuilding tunnels and manufacturing weapons, as long as the organization refuses to disarm.
