The radical Palestinian movement Hamas has gained thousands of fighters over the past few months, posing a serious threat to the Israeli army, which has been conducting military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) writes about this, citing sources.
Militants carry out surprise attacks in small groups of only a few people, using firearms and anti-tank weapons, which do not require special military training.
Hamas promises to provide its supporters and their families with food and medical care, the interviewees of the newspaper say.
"The speed at which Hamas is rebuilding is faster than the speed at which the IDF is destroying them. The movement's new leader in the Gaza Strip, Mohammed Sinwar, is in control," retired Israeli army general Amir Avivi told the publication.
According to the WSJ, Sinwar is in favor of concluding an agreement on a permanent, rather than a temporary, ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. "Hamas is in a position to dictate its terms.
