The ongoing unrest in the Middle East took a shocking turn when Israel targeted the head figures of the militant organization Hamas as they deliberated over a ceasefire agreement in Qatar. Despite this dramatic escalation, all of Israel’s attempts to subdue the group thus far have not been successful. While Hamas officials state their top ranks survived the air raid, there hasn’t been any evidence disclosed. Historic precedence reminds us that the organization has previously remained silent following executions of its leaders.
Regardless of the outcome of the Israeli attack, it wouldn’t mean the end for Hamas. The resilient group has weathered two years of strenuous warfare, managing to maintain approximately 20 hostages alive within the Gaza Strip. Adding to this, it seems far-fetched to credit Israel’s recent Gaza City incursion, as a strategy that could render the ‘absolute triumph’ that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently pledged ever since the war began if the initial spark was an assault from Hamas on October 7, 2023.
A significant factor contributing to Hamas’ endurance is their proficiency in disappearing within the dense population, only to resurface when the moment is opportune. Moreover, the Israeli objective extends beyond simply overcoming Hamas. Instead, the aim is to disarm the group and prevent their resurgence, a strategy perceived by many as an endless cycle of warfare and occupation.
Hamas, as an organization, has stood firm amidst disastrous losses. Their top-tier leadership in Gaza, along with legions of their fighters, have been annihilated in one of the bloodiest and most damaging military offenses after the Second World War. They are left now with a meager number of long-range rocket systems, their administrative existence is virtually non-existent, and their law enforcement is all but wiped out. Even their regional allies, inclusive of Iran, have borne the brunt of the strikes.
Nevertheless, Hamas continues to retain thousands of fighters, a figure backed by Israeli military intelligence. Some of these combatants have been recruited during the ongoing conflict. They have managed to hold onto a segment of popular support and maintain control over the hostages. However, Israel’s tactical advancements are overshadowed by the harrowing toll on Palestinian civilians – thousands have perished, extensive areas stand decimated, and famine grips Gaza City.
Concurrently, Israel’s actions have led it to become largely ostracized on the global stage and the air blitz on Qatar has only deepened the perception of Israel growing into a regional threat, even amongst typically amicable Arab nations.
In terms of territorial control, Israel now claims dominion over 75% of the land which is largely comprised of wreckage and rubble. The remnants of Hamas are perceived to be holed up in small pockets of land where the majority of the Gazan populace of approximately 2 million Palestinians found sanctuary. The rest of Gaza has plunged into lawlessness, where fearless local clans and militant factions hold sway.
Nahed Sheheiber, leader of Gaza’s independent truckers union, reports that unidentified Hamas law enforcement continues to function in parts of Gaza City and the central city of Deir al-Balah, in addition to refugee camps in central Gaza. He pointed out the battle against looters, thieves, and corrupt vendors who take advantage of people’s desperation due to the shortage of food.
Saeed Abu Elaish, a medic hailing from the Jabaliya refugee camp, indicates that the Health Ministry and the Civil Defense are still somewhat operational. Still, the majority of public services are left to U.N. agencies and international aid groups.
Approximately 50 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in Gaza since March, mostly due to hit-and-run attacks or improvised explosive devices. On a recent occasion, a bomb was lobbed into a tank situated in Gaza City, tragically killing four soldiers. This has had a cumulative count of 450 Israeli armed forces casualties since the initial ground incursion of Gaza in October 2023.
Subsequent fatalities could diminish support for the war within Israel, where numerous large-scale protests advocate for a negotiation with Hamas that ensures the safe release of the held hostages. The Israeli military estimates the Hamas had a force of around 35,000 fighters at the onset of the war and believes it has reduced the force by over 20,000. Surprisingly, Hamas has refrained from commenting on these reported figures.
According to estimates by certain Egyptian officials, both Hamas and other militant factions have enlisted thousands of fighters, their roles typically involve aggregating unexploded ordnance from Israeli assault.
The military arm of Hamas, guided by seasoned Gaza-based commander Ezzedin al-Haddad, is responsible for keeping the hostages and is expected to have the final say on their liberation. Despite Hamas only retaining control over a fourth of Gaza, Kobi Michael, an Israeli researcher, notes that it’s a densely populated area.
Despite Israel’s persistent attacks, Hamas has indicated its willingness to pass over governance responsibilities to other Palestinian groups while refusing to disarm. It has gone so far as to threaten and execute Palestinians suspected of collaborating with the Israeli military.
Israel worries about any agreement leaving Hamas armed and structurally intact, fearing a repeat of the October 7 attack. Netanyahu asserts the only resolution is to maintain ongoing security control while placing civilian management in other parties’ hands. However, lasting victory seems unlikely to many. Hamas, which started in the late 80s when Israel ruled Gaza, has shown resilience in sustaining its ideology despite repeated setbacks. As long as Israel retains territories that Palestinians hope to claim for a future state, the spirit of Hamas will likely endure.
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