FUTURE OF HAMAS
In the meantime, Hamas, which has managed Gaza for nearly 20 years, has displayed its endurance within the enclave regardless of shedding its high management and hundreds of fighters.
Panikoff cautioned that Hamas would doubtless attempt to rebuild.
“I believe Hamas definitely goes to have a recruitment drive,” he advised CNA’s Asia First.
“One of many causes Hamas was in a position to construct its weapons capabilities was essentially as a result of Iran was supplying it to them. That is going to be more durable in the present day,” mentioned Panikoff.
“I believe it will be more durable to smuggle within the weapons prefer it beforehand was. That does not imply Hamas may not nonetheless be capable of have some capabilities remaining and be capable of recruit members.”
Hamas released the first three female hostages on Sunday, in trade for 90 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The releases are a part of section one of many deal, by which 33 of the remaining 98 hostages in Gaza will probably be launched over six weeks in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The hostages have been taken when Hamas gunmen stormed into southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing 1,200 folks and taking 250 captives, in keeping with Israeli tallies. Most have since been launched or killed.
An extra 400 Israeli troopers and safety personnel have been killed in fight in Gaza.
About 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory marketing campaign, in keeping with Gaza-based well being officers.
