Hamas Retains 25,000 Fighters and Intensifies Executions in Gaza After War

According to Israeli defense sources, Hamas currently maintains a military wing force of approximately 25,000 operatives, including around 2,500 members of the elite Nukhba unit. This marks a significant reduction from the pre-war strength of about 35,000 fighters, which included 5,000 Nukhba operatives. Despite the decrease, Hamas still commands a substantial military presence in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli security establishment has also noted an increase in the pace of executions carried out by Hamas against opposition figures and suspected collaborators. Unlike previous practices, these executions are now conducted covertly in hidden locations such as hospital basements to avoid detection.

Further revelations emerged regarding a recent meeting between senior Hamas officials and Iranian leadership during the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated. Hamas presented Tehran with a document outlining several demands, including the establishment of a "diplomatic safety net" whereby Iran would leverage its regional and diplomatic influence to support Hamas's positions in negotiations.

Hamas also insisted on absolute opposition to any disarmament or removal of weapons from Gaza's civilian and political management after the war. Another demand was to link future negotiations between Iran and the United States to the Gaza issue, alongside calls to halt Israeli "attrition operations" in the Strip. Additionally, Hamas sought continued financial support and the restoration of logistical supply lines to rebuild its military capabilities.

Iranian leaders reportedly pledged full support to meet Hamas's demands, signaling ongoing strategic cooperation between the two entities.