After 500 days of relentless bombardment by Israel, Hamas remains intact, defying repeated pledges by Israeli leaders to destroy the group completely. Despite suffering heavy losses, including the assassinations of key figures, Hamas continues to function within Gaza, manning checkpoints, coordinating aid distribution, and engaging in negotiations, including the release of Israeli captives. The question remains—how has Hamas managed to survive one of the most intense military campaigns in modern history?
Hamas’s endurance can be attributed to several key factors. First, the group has developed a decentralized command structure, allowing it to function even when senior leaders are targeted and eliminated. By relying on underground networks and well-established tunnels, Hamas has been able to sustain its military operations, launch rocket attacks, and evade complete destruction. Additionally, the group’s extensive intelligence and counterintelligence operations make it difficult for Israel to fully dismantle its leadership.
Another crucial aspect of Hamas’s survival is its dual role as both a militant organization and a governing body. While Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas’s military capabilities, the group remains embedded within the daily lives of Gazans, providing social services, maintaining order, and distributing aid in a war-ravaged territory. This governance role has strengthened its legitimacy among supporters and allowed it to maintain influence despite Israel’s efforts.
Hamas also benefits from regional and international factors. While some nations condemn its actions, others continue to provide indirect support, whether through political backing, diplomatic maneuvering, or humanitarian aid that ultimately helps sustain its rule. The conflict has also drawn global attention, with increasing pressure on Israel over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza, further complicating Israel’s military objectives.
Experts such as Khaled al-Hroub, a professor at Northwestern University in Qatar and author of Hamas: A Beginner’s Guide, argue that the group’s resilience is not just about military tactics but also about its ability to navigate political and social landscapes. Hamas has maintained its ability to negotiate, including securing prisoner exchanges, which reinforces its strategic position despite overwhelming odds.
Israel’s prolonged war on Hamas raises critical questions about the effectiveness of its military approach. While Israeli forces have inflicted significant damage, the ability of Hamas to continue governing and launching attacks suggests that the conflict is far from reaching a decisive conclusion. As the war drags on, the long-term implications remain uncertain, with both sides locked in a prolonged and devastating struggle.
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