CNN: Half of the Qassam Brigades have rebuilt their combat capabilities

An analysis by CNN, in cooperation with the American Institute for the Study of War, showed that almost half of the Al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) - have rebuilt some of their combat capabilities despite the passage of more than 9 months since the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip.

The report quoted American military experts as saying that Israel's method of war, which was characterized by a harsh bombing campaign and the absence of a post-war plan, helped motivate the Hamas movement to emerge again.

A senior Israeli officer told the network that the army would enter wherever Hamas raises its head, but he doubted the possibility of this game continuing forever.

Recruitment operations

A high-ranking retired Israeli officer said that the movement began a recruitment process 3 or 4 months ago, which included several thousand, noting that the greatest difficulty facing Hamas is not at the level of fighters, but rather at the level of leaders, some of whom are not easy to replace.

CNN also said that the words of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that victory over Hamas was close were contradicted by the facts on the ground, including an analysis of the ongoing military operations, photos taken, and interviews with experts and eyewitnesses.

The New York Times quoted analysts as saying that the recent strikes on Hamas, including the assassination of the head of its political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, in the capital, Tehran, may be a short-term setback for the movement, but they are not enough to prevent it from emerging again healthy, and perhaps more extreme and stronger politically. .

Analysts and regional observers in contact with Hamas leaders believe that the setbacks that befell the movement provide Israel with a short-term victory, but do not provide it with long-term strategic success.

Source: Al Jazeera + CNN