Hamas is struggling to fill its ranks with new recruits, after nearly half of its members have been eliminated so far during the Swords of Iron campaign. The terror group's control over the territory is deteriorating, with local clans seizing control of humanitarian aid distribution.
The number of new Hamas recruits is estimated by Israeli sources at hundreds of new recruits, Israel Hayom has learned. Despite efforts to reorganize in various areas of the Gaza Strip where the Israeli military's intense operation has concluded, Hamas has yet to restore its capabilities from October 7.
The IDF estimates that more than 14,000 Hamas operatives have been killed. However, a permanent and complete cessation of IDF activity in the strip would likely allow the terror group to conduct more extensive recruitment over time. The relatively low number of recruits may indicate the difficulties the organization is facing, especially considering the immense recruitment potential in the strip.
On the other hand, this may be just the tip of the iceberg. Yoni Ben Menachem, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, told Israel Hayom that "most of the recruits are teenagers aged 16 and above, whom Hamas' military wing is recruiting in exchange for payment. Being young and enthusiastic, it gives them motivation. This phenomenon has been occurring for no more than two months and is very concerning." He adds that "these youngsters know the terrain well and run fast."
The chaos in the trip is increasing The recruitment of operatives is taking place as Hamas's control over the distribution of humanitarian aid appears to be deteriorating. In recent days, reports from the strip indicate that criminal gangs from local clans in Khan Younis and central refugee camps are looting humanitarian aid trucks. Even if some cooperation with Hamas is occurring behind the scenes, this reflects the chaos in the Strip. Hamas is attempting to instill fear among Gazans through public executions, one of which was documented just Tuesday.
Against this backdrop, Palestinians have been increasingly attacking Hamas in recent weeks. "Gaza residents feel that Hamas's leadership lacks a clear vision for achieving stability," a Palestinian source told Israel Hayom. "Hamas is facing growing resistance. The victory that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke about is divorced from reality. Israel controls Gaza from north to south, and so far, there are no indications that Hamas achieved victory; on the contrary, Hamas is worried about the day after this conflict."
It should be noted that Hamas' situation varies from one area to another. In the northern Gaza Strip, for instance, there are no functioning battalions, but local guerrilla organizations exist. Leading them is Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades senior member Ezz Al-Din Al-Haddad, who commanded the now-disbanded Gaza City Battalion. The situation in Khan Younis and the central camps is more complex for three reasons: First, under the cover of the civilian population, some of whom were evacuated from Rafah, operatives have more freedom of movement; second, in Deir al-Balah, the IDF has yet to conduct ground maneuvers against Hamas's battalion in the city; and third, there are more potential recruits compared to the northern Strip, where only about 300,000 people remain.
"The snake's head hasn't been hit." Mohammed Sinwar (right) in a giant tunnel in Gaza. Photo: Israeli military handout. Moreover, senior Hamas leaders in the Strip have not been eliminated during the recent maneuver in Khan Yunis. These include the commander of the southern Strip area, Mohammed Sinwar from Khan Yunis; the head of the military wing, Mohammed Deif; and the Khan Yunis battalion commander, Rafa Salama. This means that the IDF needs more time for raids and clearance operations to fully eliminate Hamas. At this stage, Hamas is still in the "twilight phase" – the transition of the terror group from a military force with near-absolute rule to a guerrilla organization with limited capabilities.
