Israeli media confirmed that the Hamas movement « demonstrates its resilience in the northern Gaza Strip » and highlights that Yahya Sinwar, head of the Hamas’ political office in the Gaza Strip, is perceived to have caused significant challenges for the Israelis.
Several Israeli media outlets reported the presence of fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, in the areas of the northern Gaza Strip that experienced intense hostilities and Israeli ground incursions.
The reports emphasize that the movement succeeded in showcasing its capability to deploy members to Northern Gaza despite the presence of the Israeli military nearby.
For its part, the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom addressed the events, emphasizing that the Hamas movement is « far from collapsing » and advocating for the continuation of Israeli military operations against the Gaza Strip with the aim of « breaking the movement ». The newspaper also asserted that achieving this goal is crucial « to secure an Israeli victory on the northern front, » referring to the confrontation with the Lebanese Hezbollah.
The newspaper’s military affairs correspondent, Lilach Shoval, said that contrary to the claims of the Israeli occupation forces in recent days, « Hamas still has strong control over the land », noting that this control is in various regions of the Gaza Strip, and not just in its south.
IOF failure will have « regional implications »
Shoval pointed out that the repercussions of the weak actions by the Israeli occupation forces against the Hamas resistance movement « will have regional implications ». It noted that despite the Israeli forces repeatedly conveying the message that « Hamas’ leadership and control in the northern Gaza Strip have been defeated, and most of its brigades in this region have been disintegrated », the situation has demonstrated the opposite.
The military correspondence highlighted the clear commitment of the resistance factions, with their leadership directing them to cease fire, indicating a high level of organization. Furthermore, the process of liberating prisoners from the Gaza Strip « is happening exactly like Hamas intends, with the organization dictating the identity of the prisoners to be released and establishing the schedules for their release », according to Shoval.
‘Sinwar’s steadfast role’
It added that the behavior of Sinwar indicates that even in the northern Gaza Strip, which is the main focus of the Israeli ground attack, the Hamas movement « is still far from the breaking point ».
The military affairs correspondent pointed out that « through the deal, Sinwar was able to pause the Israeli attacks, which was at the peak of its momentum ». The correspondent noted that « he will attempt additional maneuvers to extend the truce as much as possible, » intending to leverage this period for organizing resistance fighters, rearmament, assembling forces, and getting prepared for the Israeli occupation’s plans in Gaza.
The newspaper urged the occupation forces to resume their operations and aggression against the Gaza Strip, emphasizing its demands « even in the face of immense international pressure on Israel ». It added that « it is imperative not to halt now », underscoring that if « Israel » does not respond with disproportionate force in the Gaza Strip, its perceived weakness will have repercussions for the entire region.
Regarding the repercussions of Israeli inaction and weakness, the newspaper suggested that they will be observed on the northern border of occupied Palestine with Lebanon. Tens of thousands of settlers were evacuated from their homes over a month ago. It emphasizes that « any display of hesitation or weakness on the Gaza front will have explosive consequences in this region ».
Al mayadeen