with major losses, how is Hamas able to keep fighting and governing?
Despite major losses Hamas can still fight and govern and the danger it still poses to Israel It may have been beaten and bombed, but it is still standing
After nearly 18 months of war in Gaza, Israel's aim of destroying Hamas, the militant Islamist organization, is still unfulfilled.
In recent days, the Israeli military has killed more Hamas senior leaders in airstrikes. Yet, Hamas has shown that it is able to absorb major losses and can still fight and govern.
Hamas fighters out in force releasing hostages in January, a show of strength as the militants reemerged after months of hiding in tunnels
There are no precise individually verified figures available about Hamas's strength 1. Israel estimates that Hamas had more than 30,000 fighters at the time of its October 7 terror attack 2. Israel claims to have killed 17,000 since then but has not provided evidence 3. 70-80% weaponry captured or destroyed 4. Senior leadership has also been decimated
The terror group has historically been able to fill its ranks with new recruits quickly However replacing lost and destroyed weaponry may be more difficult as its smuggling tunnels have been greatly diminished
Israel now controls the border with Egypt where Hamas formerly smuggled weapons into Gaza but the militants are still able to fire rockets into Israel — THAAD Where art thou? THAAD
Hamas also maintains an extensive tunnel network under Gaza used 1. to launch surprise attack on Israeli soldiers 2. and hiding men and weapons safe from Israeli bombardments
Goal of destroying Hamas after 18 months of grinding bloody conflict is far off and Hamas still remains a lethal threat
