The IDF Believes the War Against Hamas is Approaching Its End

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that Hamas is increasingly struggling to withstand the ongoing military operations, and that the operation in the Gaza Strip is nearing its conclusion, according to The Times of Israel on Tuesday, citing sources.

“The war against Hamas in Gaza will not last forever (...) Regardless of the prospects for a hostage deal, sources indicate that low-intensity operations will continue for a long time, but the end of the campaign is already in sight. Military officials report that Hamas is increasingly facing tougher resistance,” the publication states.

Hamas forces, after eight months of fighting in Gaza, are finding it difficult to stay in underground tunnels and are emerging to the surface, hiding among the civilian population, according to IDF assessments. Officials have noted that in recent weeks, over 50 strikes have been carried out on Hamas positions that are hidden in schools, hospitals, and other civilian facilities.

Additionally, the group faces a shortage of weapons. The IDF has received documents from the Shejaiya battalion indicating a lack of handheld anti-tank grenade launchers, rifles, and explosives, along with a loss of two-thirds of its fighters.

The IDF also believes that key facilities for rocket production by Hamas have been destroyed, although the group can still carry out rocket attacks on Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and remains capable of producing smaller quantities of weaponry than before.