Hamas Remains Defiant with 20,000 Fighters Despite Leaders' Losses

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Despite significant losses in leadership, Hamas continues to showcase resilience in Gaza, with estimates of approximately 20,000 fighters still mobilized. Since the onset of intensified hostilities over 15 months, Israeli forces have successfully targeted several top leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. However, Israeli intelligence indicates that nearly half of Hamas militants are well-organized and active within both the northern and southern regions of Gaza.

Hamas has reportedly managed to maintain a substantial portion of its extensive tunnel network, which has proven difficult for Israeli forces to neutralize completely. Recent reports suggest that up to 40% of these tunnels remain operational, despite ongoing military campaigns.

While Hamas has been engaged in indirect negotiations with Israel, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, the group is demanding a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip in exchange for halting hostilities and releasing hostages. Despite a decrease in popular support due to the toll of the conflict, Hamas remains the most prominent Palestinian political and armed group, with historical support fluctuating between 30% and 40%.

The situation remains precarious, as both parties are engaged in high-stakes discussions amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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