Al-Qassam Brigades Renew Operations in Rafah, Gaza
Military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, has stated that the resurgence of operations by the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, is a natural development. He emphasized that the resistance remains capable of combat when given the opportunity for close-range engagements.
In a recent statement, the Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed their fighters targeted two houses occupied by Israeli soldiers using four anti-personnel and anti-fortification shells, resulting in casualties in the Al-Tannour neighborhood of Rafah. This comes amid a series of operations by the Qassam Brigades, including a notable incident where four Israeli soldiers, including an officer, were killed, challenging the Israeli army's claims of having dismantled the Qassam Brigade's presence in the city.
Analysis of Military Operations and Resistance Capability
Al-Duwairi provided an analysis of the military situation, indicating that Rafah is still in the early stages of Israeli military operations. He noted that the redeployment of Israeli forces has limited the resistance's ability to operate in many areas, with the Al-Tannour and Tel Al-Sultan neighborhoods remaining as focal points for conflict. He observed that when the resistance is allowed to engage at zero distance, significant events occur, such as the recent attacks on Israeli troop carriers and tanks.
Doubting the Israeli army's claims of having neutralized the Rafah Battalion and destroyed a significant number of tunnels, Al-Duwairi remarked that past statements from the Israeli military often do not reflect the reality on the ground, especially considering their history of announcing the end of operations in various parts of Gaza only to return later.
The Interconnectedness of Resistance Fronts
Discussing the broader context, Al-Duwairi highlighted the interconnectedness of resistance fronts, particularly between Hezbollah and Gaza. He noted that the Lebanese front has played a supportive role in engaging the Israeli army and alleviating pressure on Gaza. The recent obituary issued by the Qassam Brigades for Hezbollah leader Ibrahim Aqil suggests a temporary impact on operations, with expectations that a successor will emerge, though possibly lacking the same level of experience and expertise.
As the conflict continues, the dynamics in Rafah and the surrounding areas remain critical, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to the evolving battlefield.
