Hamas rebuilding rapidly in Gaza as Israel’s attention remains elsewhere, experts warn

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/424426

Despite heavy damage during the post-October 7th war, Hamas continues to recruit operatives, rebuild tunnels, and assert control over civilian life in Gaza, raising concerns along the Israeli border.

While Israel focuses on threats from Iran and the northern front, Hamas is quietly reconstructing its infrastructure and strengthening control over Gaza, according to security experts. Footage and intelligence reveal convoys guarded by armed operatives, tunnels being refurbished, and the organization reestablishing itself economically-raising concerns among residents near the Gaza border that warnings of Hamas’s collapse have been premature.

Despite significant damage to its infrastructure, Hamas is establishing new economic and organizational systems. Data shows that roughly 4,200 trucks enter Gaza weekly. Hamas charges a 15% fee on each shipment, reducing its dependence on Qatari aid, which had previously been its lifeline.

Hamas also remains Gaza’s largest employer, with tens of thousands of operatives in uniforms and civilian clothing receiving salaries while managing municipal services.