Daily Alert

Hamas Recruits Thousands of New Fighters in Gaza

Teens are targets for conscription
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Hamas poster announcing registration for the youth camp in 2021
A Hamas poster announcing registration for the “Liberation Pioneers Camp” in 2021. The announcement said: “These camps aim to ignite the flame of resistance in the generation of liberation, instill Islamic values ​​and prepare the expected army of victory to liberate Palestine, God willing.”

Table of Contents

  • Security sources confirm that Hamas’s military wing has recruited thousands of new fighters, who have undergone military training, in exchange for money, humanitarian aid, and medical treatment. This recruitment aims to fill the ranks left vacant by those killed or captured during the ongoing conflict.
  • The IDF is preparing for the potential occupation of Gaza City and plans to reduce humanitarian aid to the Strip if hostage deal negotiations fail.
  • These developments come amid a growing concern over Hamas’s renewed military capabilities.

Recruitment and Training

According to Israeli security officials, Hamas has recruited approximately 4,000 new fighters over the past month.

This rapid expansion bolsters its fighting capabilities and complicates Israel’s efforts to apply military pressure on Hamas to expedite a hostage deal.

Currently, Hamas is estimated to have about 20,000 armed fighters in Gaza, along with a stockpile of scores of rockets that it sporadically launches into Israeli territory.

The Islamic Jihad organization also retains about 4,000 armed fighters in the Strip.

The Impact on Conflict Dynamics

Hamas’s military recovery has allowed it to prolong its war of attrition against the IDF and adopt tougher stances in hostage negotiations.

The funds for this recruitment effort are reportedly from the sale of humanitarian aid packages, which Hamas forcibly seizes and resells in Gaza’s markets.

These actions undermine the humanitarian efforts intended to assist civilians in the region.

IDF Response and Future Plans

Israeli security officials indicate that the IDF’s recent military operations have disbanded Hamas’s 24 battalions, forcing the group to adopt guerrilla warfare tactics.

However, the ongoing recruitment effort could enable Hamas to continue its resistance in the northern Gaza Strip, led by Izz al-Din Haddad, the commander of Hamas’s northern brigade.

Should hostage negotiations fail, security sources estimate that Israel’s political leadership might order the IDF to occupy Gaza City fully and evacuate its residents to the south.

This move would consolidate Israeli control over the northern Gaza Strip.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has signaled potential support for such measures, warning Hamas that failure to release hostages would result in severe consequences, writing on social media in early December, “The hostages are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will.” He threatened “ALL HELL TO PAY” if they are not released. He added: “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”

Humanitarian Concerns

The Israeli government is considering a significant reduction in humanitarian aid to Gaza to weaken Hamas’s control and pressure it into concessions.

However, such measures risk further exacerbating the dire conditions faced by civilians in the Strip, complicating the humanitarian crisis and international responses.

As the situation evolves, the balance between military actions, humanitarian considerations, and international diplomacy will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this conflict.

jcpa.org

Yoni Ben Menachem

Yoni Ben Menachem, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center. He served as Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
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