Major General Al-Duwairi Challenges Israeli Claims on Gaza Resistance
In a recent analysis, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, a military and strategic expert, has expressed skepticism regarding the Israeli military's assertions about the dismantling of the Palestinian resistance capabilities, particularly those of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. The Israeli occupation army claimed to have neutralized the Rafah Brigade after a prolonged military operation that commenced on May 6, stating that over 2,000 Hamas members were killed and approximately 13 kilometers of tunnels destroyed.
Despite these claims, Al-Duwairi contends that the Israeli reports are misleading and do not accurately reflect the current military landscape in Gaza. He noted that while the Israeli forces have inflicted significant damage on resistance factions, the Palestinian resistance has demonstrated resilience by recruiting new members and rehabilitating their military capabilities. This includes the reproduction of shells, mortars, short-range missiles, and ammunition, indicating a robust recovery from the recent offensives.
Furthermore, Al-Duwairi highlighted the alarming fact that around 20% of the munitions dropped by Israel—totaling more than 90,000 tons—remained unexploded. These unexploded ordnance are being repurposed by the resistance in various ways, such as rigging them to detonate against Israeli tanks or recycling the materials for new projectiles.
In addition, Al-Duwairi questioned the Israeli Army Radio's claim that over 14,000 buildings in Rafah were booby-trapped, labeling this figure as exaggerated due to the extensive destruction of structures in the area. He emphasized that the resistance's tactics are informed by on-ground intelligence, making many of their operations effective against the occupation forces.
In a demonstration of their capabilities, the Al-Qassam Brigades recently detonated a building in Rafah that housed an Israeli unit, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers, including a female military doctor, as confirmed by the Israeli military. This incident underscores the ongoing volatility and complexity of the military situation in Gaza.
