Restoration of Military Capabilities
Hamas has managed to rebuild some of its military infrastructure, including the production of rockets.
According to Israeli security sources, the organization’s military wing has recovered to some extent, producing hundreds of new rockets using lathes smuggled into tunnels that remain operational in the Gaza Strip.
This resurgence in production comes as IDF forces have redeployed from the Gaza Strip to the northern front to confront Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The reduced pressure on Hamas’ infrastructure has facilitated this recovery.
On October 7, Hamas launched over 5,000 rockets at Israel, with subsequent daily launches depleting its arsenal.
However, the recent resumption of rocket fire indicates a partial replenishment of its stockpile and the organization’s continued operational capacity.
Motivations for Resuming Rocket Fire
Hamas’ decision to resume rocket attacks is driven by both operational and political considerations:
- Operational Demonstration: By firing rockets, Hamas seeks to demonstrate its resilience and operational capability despite the IDF’s prolonged offensive.
This message is aimed at both Gaza’s residents and the Israeli public, underscoring that Hamas remains a significant force even after enduring heavy losses.
- Symbolic Resistance: Rockets launched from northern Gaza are intended to signal that Israel cannot easily occupy this region, currently a focal point of IDF operations. Even if the IDF ultimately gains control, Hamas aims to project the image of a persistent and stubborn resistance.
- Retaliation and Attrition: Hamas aims to exact a cost on Israeli settlements near Gaza as retribution for IDF actions in northern Gaza. This serves as part of its broader strategy of attrition, countering Israeli military advances with continued resistance.
- Political Messaging: The rocket fire is also a political statement. Hamas seeks to convey that Israel’s operations in Gaza have not achieved their objectives. By continuing its attacks, Hamas undermines the Israeli government’s narrative of progress and boosts the morale of the Palestinian population.
Strategic Implications
The resumed rocket fire is a tactical move in Hamas’ broader strategy of waging a war of attrition while influencing ongoing negotiations in Doha over a potential hostage deal and ceasefire agreement.
By maintaining pressure on Israel, Hamas aims to extract concessions and shape the terms of any eventual settlement.
Additionally, the rocket attacks serve to damage Israeli public morale while uplifting Palestinian resistance sentiments.
Hamas’ leaders view these actions as essential to demonstrating their ongoing relevance and strength, both to their constituents and to Israel.
Conclusion
Hamas’ resumption of rocket fire underscores its determination to persist in the face of Israeli military operations.
The organization’s actions reflect a combination of operational recovery, strategic resistance, and political signaling. As the conflict continues, these rocket attacks serve as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and challenges in achieving a lasting resolution in the region.
