The publication reports that Hamas is actively rebuilding its military capabilities, including repairing damaged tunnels. Additionally, the group has received new financial resources and resumed payments to its fighters.
According to the agreements reached regarding the ceasefire, Hamas was supposed to surrender its weapons. However, as WSJ claims, the group is willing to hand over only part of its heavy weaponry, while small arms remain with them. The Israeli side estimates that Hamas has about 60,000 units of small arms and that their number of fighters reaches 20,000.
Israeli officials stated that if Hamas refuses to disarm, they will be forced to use force to achieve this goal.
The October ceasefire ended nearly two years of active hostilities, during which the Gaza Strip suffered significant destruction. At the moment, the territory is effectively divided: part is controlled by Israel, while the rest remains under Hamas control. The resumption of the conflict, as WSJ points out, could have severe consequences for about two million Palestinians, most of whom have been forced to leave their homes.
The publication also emphasizes that Hamas's position on disarmament may change after the election of a new leader for the organization. Among the potential candidates are Khalil al-Hayya, who opposes disarmament, and Khaled Mashal, who is considered more inclined to compromise with Israel.
Furthermore, WSJ reminds that in November last year, The New York Times reported on the Trump administration's plans for expedited construction of residential complexes for Palestinians in areas controlled by Israel as a result of the war in the Gaza Strip.
