Hamas rebuilds its terror infrastructure in Gaza as the ceasefire with Israel provides space to regroup, rearm, and recruit a new generation of fighters, according to a leading Israeli security analyst. Hamas rebuilds not only its military capabilities but also its governing structure, deepening concerns about long-term regional stability.
Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, said Hamas has used the pause in fighting to consolidate control. “Everything that is happening will continue happening as long as Hamas continues to effectively control the western part of the Gaza Strip,” Michael told Fox News Digital. He warned, “Generally speaking, Hamas now has full freedom of movement.”
Following Israeli withdrawals from parts of Gaza in October under a ceasefire framework, Hamas rapidly moved to fill the power vacuum. Reports indicate police forces returned to the streets while Hamas fighters targeted suspected opponents. A December report by the Jewish News Syndicate found Hamas is “actively rebuilding its regime of terror” across nearly half of the territory it controls.
Hamas is also preparing to select a new political leader after the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7 massacre. According to The Jerusalem Post, Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal are leading contenders. Michael said leadership changes will not moderate the group. “Both leaders are problematic,” he said, adding that even Mashaal “is still in favor of the continuation of armed resistance.”
Michael described teenage recruitment as one of the most troubling developments. “It has become very easy for Hamas to recruit teenagers now,” he said, noting Hamas has become “the most reliable employer in the Gaza Strip.” He added, “They also appointed new governors… and are reconstituting their government and military stockpiles.”
