Hamas Shifts to Hit-And-Run Tactics Against Israel After Forces Halved

Photo : Reuters

Washington: In a conflict that has seen dramatic shifts in strategy, Hamas, having lost approximately half of its fighting force over the past eight months, is now employing hit-and-run tactics to challenge Israeli forces in Gaza. According to U.S. and Israeli officials speaking to Reuters, the Palestinian militant group is avoiding prolonged skirmishes and instead using ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target Israeli troops.

Hamas' manpower has dwindled significantly, with current estimates placing their numbers between 9,000 and 12,000 fighters, down from the pre-war figure of 20,000 to 25,000. Israeli forces, by comparison, have suffered nearly 300 troop losses in the Gaza campaign.

In the southern city of Rafah, Hamas fighters are retreating from direct confrontations, opting for guerilla tactics that involve sudden strikes and quick withdrawals, often hitting targets behind enemy lines. This strategy shift has been observed by local residents, including Wissam Ibrahim, who noted that Hamas now waits for Israeli forces to deploy before launching their attacks.

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U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that Hamas could sustain its insurgent tactics for an extended period, supported by smuggled weapons and repurposed ordnance. This extended timeline aligns with statements from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's national security adviser, who suggested the war might continue into late 2024.

A spokesperson for Hamas did not respond to requests for comment on these tactical changes. Meanwhile, Hamas fighters are also leveraging propaganda by recording and disseminating videos of their ambushes on social media platforms.

Peter Lerner, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), acknowledged the challenge in completely neutralizing Hamas, despite the group's significant losses. He emphasized that while eliminating every Hamas fighter or tunnel is unrealistic, dismantling Hamas as a governing entity remains a feasible goal.

The conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages, has resulted in extensive destruction in Gaza and a high civilian death toll. Palestinian health authorities report over 36,000 deaths, and the United Nations warns of severe hunger affecting over a million people in the enclave.

Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif remain at large, reportedly hiding in Gaza's extensive tunnel network with Israeli hostages. This subterranean system, known as the "Gaza metro," spans approximately 500 kilometers and serves as a haven for Hamas leadership and arsenals.

Israel recently declared control over the Gaza-Egypt border to curb weapon smuggling, finding about 20 tunnels used for this purpose. However, Egyptian authorities have previously denied any ongoing smuggling activities.

The prolonged conflict has drawn comparisons to the insurgency in Falluja, Iraq, where U.S. forces faced a similar drawn-out battle against militant groups. U.S. and Arab officials express concerns that Gaza could see similar instability and criminal activity in the absence of a clear post-war plan. Washington is reportedly working on a comprehensive strategy that includes Palestinian statehood as part of a broader Middle East peace initiative.

Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker noted that Israel's ongoing security control over Gaza would likely involve constant surveillance and targeted strikes against emerging threats. Israeli officials, such as former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, suggest an international coalition led by Egypt as a potential alternative to Hamas governance.

As the conflict drags on, both sides prepare for a prolonged struggle, with significant implications for regional stability and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.