Hamas Rebuilds Military Capabilities Amid Israeli Ceasefire in Gaza Under U.S. Pressure

Following U.S. pressure and as part of President Trump's 20-point plan, Israel imposed a ceasefire on Gaza starting Sunday evening. Despite this halt in Israeli airstrikes, Hamas has continued to rebuild its military infrastructure, including restoring tunnels, producing weapons, smuggling drones, and maintaining militant presence in Gaza's streets. The organization was required to cease all military activity 40 hours after Israel's ceasefire, but reports indicate ongoing violations.

The Israeli Southern Command has been providing daily reports to the Israeli Security Cabinet and U.S. officials about Hamas's breaches of the ceasefire. Security sources warned that ignoring these violations could have costly consequences, describing each day of the ceasefire as a "prize" for Hamas to strengthen itself. Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have tightened their rules of engagement, now firing only to repel militants approaching the border line rather than to inflict harm.

A government official affirmed on Monday that Israel will not retreat from its current position in Gaza but will continue to thwart any threats to its citizens and soldiers. Despite the ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains tense, with residents near the border able to observe militant activity across the fence. This ongoing dynamic underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges Israel faces in containing Hamas's resurgence.