The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Hamas is making preparations for the conclusion of the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement and is in the process of assigning new leadership.
As per the report, Hamas has started identifying new strategic positions where its operatives will be deployed if hostilities resume. Additionally, the group is working on restoring tunnels that were previously damaged by IDF strikes.
Earlier this month, ʻIzz al-Dīn al-Ḥaddād, the commander of Hamas’ military forces in northern Gaza, convened with other high-ranking members of the organization to evaluate potential Israeli military actions.
According to the report, al-Ḥaddād cautioned senior Hamas figures that Israel’s first objective would likely be seizing control of a key roadway that runs through Gaza.
On the ground, Hamas is ramping up its efforts, distributing leaflets instructing inexperienced fighters on how to operate weapons in the event that combat resumes.
The group has also assigned operatives to track down and identify Gaza residents suspected of cooperating with Israel and relaying intelligence to the IDF.
{Matzav.com Israel}