The Palestinian resistance has intensified its operations against the Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, despite Israeli claims that Hamas’s military capabilities have been decimated. A series of ambushes and high-level attacks in recent days have directly challenged this narrative.
Since mid-April, operations have been reported in multiple areas of Gaza — particularly Beit Hanoun, al-Tuffah, and Khan Younis — involving anti-armour weapons and tunnel warfare, resulting in Israeli casualties and equipment losses.
Tactical Evolution
According to retired Major General and strategic analyst Fayez al-Duwairi, seven ambushes carried out by Al-Qassam Brigades within just 96 hours reflect a tactical evolution. Many of these strikes occurred in so-called “buffer zones” supposedly controlled by the Israeli army, proving that resistance fighters are operating behind enemy lines without being detected.
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Al-Duwairi explained on Al Jazeera’s “Masar al-Ahdath” that the month-long pause in operations was not a retreat, but a recalibration in response to new Israeli military leadership. With Eyal Zamir appointed as Israel’s new Chief of Staff, the IDF shifted nearly 80% of its firepower to airstrikes, reducing ground operations—thus limiting engagement opportunities for the resistance.
Strategic Messaging
Political analyst Wissam Afifa believes the timing and precision of recent attacks deliver clear military and political messages. After months of siege and destruction, the resistance has managed to execute bold strikes deep within Israeli-controlled territory, directly undermining Tel Aviv’s claims of eliminating Hamas.
The Beit Hanoun operation, in particular, marked a turning point. Qassam fighters emerged from tunnels just 300 meters from the separation fence, executed a targeted ambush that killed an Israeli soldier and wounded others, and then safely withdrew—a tactical and symbolic success.
Internal Fallout in Israel
While the Netanyahu government speaks of “expanding the war,” internal fractures are beginning to show. Israeli affairs expert Dr. Mohannad Mustafa noted that the recent Palestinian operations have heightened internal tension and public doubt.
He highlighted contradictory messaging from the Israeli military—speaking of rescuing hostages while suffering ongoing losses with little progress—leading to waning public confidence in the army and suspicions that the war serves Netanyahu’s political survival rather than strategic objectives.
Al-Duwairi further noted that the types of weapons used indicate continued advancement in resistance tactics. The “Yasin-105” missile was effectively used in al-Tuffah, while RPGs were deployed in Beit Hanoun, targeting unarmoured vehicles.
Political Implications
Afifa stressed that battlefield pressure is now translating into political leverage, particularly to push Israel toward accepting Hamas’s latest ceasefire proposal, which includes a complete withdrawal and prisoner exchange.
However, Dr. Mustafa argued that internal Israeli pressure alone is insufficient, due to the far-right structure of Netanyahu’s government, which remains largely indifferent to public opinion or rising casualties.
War Becomes Personal
Mustafa pointed to Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar’s recent remarks, accusing Netanyahu of personalising the war, as an indication of growing dissent within Israel’s security establishment. If losses continue without tangible results, internal cracks may deepen.
Al-Duwairi believes the resistance has the capacity to continue launching surprise and psychologically impactful operations, especially with 75% of Gaza’s tunnel network still operational, giving fighters mobility and strategic advantage.
While Israel responds by punishing civilians, the resistance attempts to minimise civilian losses by carefully choosing locations and timing, avoiding large-scale clashes when possible to maintain the military pressure while limiting humanitarian tolls.
No Clear Victory
Mustafa cited retired Israeli General Yitzhak Brik, who described recent events as a “painful defeat”, noting that none of Israel’s war objectives have been met—Hamas remains standing, and Israel has failed to impose its conditions in ceasefire negotiations. This weakens the credibility of Israeli political rhetoric.
He predicted increasing political pressure as public dissatisfaction grows and military gains remain elusive. While U.S. support remains a key stabiliser, a significant internal Israeli crisis or another major attack could accelerate a shift toward compromise.
Shifting Israeli Tactics
Al-Duwairi concluded by noting a strategic shift in Israel’s military doctrine—focusing now on intensive aerial and artillery bombardment from hilltop positions, avoiding direct ground incursions into densely populated zones. This shift suggests fear of close-quarter combat and creates new openings for resistance ambushes.
Dr. Mustafa added that ongoing internal division within Israel weakens the government’s ability to achieve a decisive military victory. A significant American policy shift, or a domestic upheaval, could force a political settlement that bypasses Israel’s original conditions, and introduces new strategic dynamics.
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