Hamas Becomes a Symbol of Resistance in Gaza, Emerging Stronger Despite Devastation
Israel has failed to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, as admitted by former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In a speech at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., on January 14, he stated, "According to our assessment, for every fighter Hamas has lost, they’ve recruited almost as many new members. This is a recipe for perpetual rebellion and endless war."
Blinken, known as a staunch supporter of Israel’s military operations over the past 15 months, has sparked speculation among experts that his remarks signify a strategic failure. Despite Israeli attacks killing at least 47,300 Palestinians, analysts believe Hamas has not only survived but is reorganizing and strengthening.
Hamas Has Not Been Destroyed, It Has Grown Stronger
According to a report by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), although Hamas’s military capabilities have been somewhat diminished due to Israel's intense attacks, the group remains far from destroyed. In fact, they continue to carry out administrative activities.
During the prisoner exchange scenes as part of an Israeli ceasefire, members of Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, were actively visible. The continued military and organizational presence of Hamas has surprised many Palestinians.
Fathi Al-Ladawi, a 67-year-old resident of Gaza, told Al Jazeera, “We thought Hamas was completely destroyed, but their massive presence during the prisoner exchange proved us wrong.”
Military Structure and Popularity of Hamas
Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 Hamas fighters, though the actual numbers remain disputed. According to Hamas, they have lost only 6,000 to 7,000 members, a figure significantly lower relative to the total number of fighters in the group.
The ECFR report also stated that despite Israel’s massive assaults, Hamas’s tunnel network remains operational, and they have quickly replenished their weapon stockpiles. Hamas has been crafting new weapons from unexploded Israeli bombs and ammunition.
However, Hamas’s popularity presents mixed reactions. A survey conducted in September 2024 revealed that their approval rating in Gaza dropped to 35%, while support for Hamas increased in the West Bank. While some Palestinians blame Hamas for their plight, others praise their resilience in the face of Israeli destruction.
Nihal Barakat, a 43-year-old Gaza resident, commented, “I didn’t support Hamas before, but after the war, my perspective has changed. They have managed to mount a resistance.”
Gaza’s Future: Endless Conflict or Freedom?
Experts believe that Hamas will now play a critical role in discussions about Gaza’s future with Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA), and the international community.
Despite all of Israel’s military efforts, Hamas remains undefeated, raising concerns of a prolonged rebellion. Military analyst Hamza Attar remarked, “This is not about love for Hamas; it’s about the identity and resistance of the Palestinian people.”
Fathi Al-Ladawi from Gaza concluded, “We don’t want war anymore. The world needs to stand by us so that we can determine our own future.”
