A recent investigation revealed that the Israeli army has struggled to dismantle the military capabilities of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. Despite significant military efforts, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have only managed to destroy three out of 24 Hamas battalions. This finding contradicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims of imminent victory and suggests that Hamas has successfully rebuilt its combat capabilities over the past ten months since the outbreak of war.
The investigation, conducted by CNN alongside the Critical Threats Project and the Institute for the Study of War, indicates that while 13 battalions of Hamas have seen a decline in their ability to conduct major attacks, eight remain fully operational. Military analysts, including Yoav Zaitoun, emphasize that Hamas is unlikely to suffer a decisive military defeat, highlighting the pressing need for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Insights from the investigation suggest that the Israeli military's narrative about clearing areas of Hamas fighters may not reflect the on-ground reality. As the IDF faces increasing global pressure to cease hostilities, senior officers acknowledge the complexities of continuing the war and the potential for Hamas to regroup and strengthen its position. Additionally, reports from Gaza indicate that Hamas is utilizing destroyed buildings as operational bases, further complicating the situation in the region.
- The investigation's findings are based on extensive analysis, including thousands of statements from both the Israeli army and Hamas. CNN has also provided a detailed map outlining the active and inactive brigades within Gaza, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by the IDF.
- As the conflict progresses, there is growing concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The rebuilding efforts by Hamas and the motivations behind them reflect a deep-seated resilience among the population, which could influence the dynamics of the conflict moving forward.
