Ongoing Threat to Israel; Hamas Recruits 15,000 New Forces

Since the beginning of the war with Israel, the Palestinian group Hamas has recruited between 10,000 to 15,000 new forces. Reuters reported this figure through U.S. intelligence data, indicating that despite suffering heavy losses, Hamas remains a serious threat to Israel. According to the report, the number of Hamas forces killed during the war is nearly equal to the number of new recruits, with the difference being that many of the new recruits are young and lack military capability, primarily engaged in simple security tasks. Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas's military wing, had previously confirmed that the group had managed to recruit thousands of new forces. Israel has also stated that during 15 months of fighting with the radical Islamist Hamas, about 20,000 of the group's forces have been killed. Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had warned before the new U.S. administration took office that Hamas's recruitment of new forces could lead to 'perpetual unrest and endless war' and pose a 'serious threat to regional stability.' Following the ceasefire, Hamas has maintained its control over Gaza, but Israeli officials have warned about the ongoing threat from Hamas, emphasizing that the group should not continue its power in Gaza; however, Hamas has shown no signs of retreat so far. Mike Waltz, national security advisor to the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, emphasized that if Hamas violates the ceasefire agreement, Washington will support Israeli actions against the group. Israel has stated that it will not accept Hamas's sovereignty over Gaza. There is hope for the full implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. has emphasized the necessity of extending the ceasefire in Lebanon. The names of four Israeli women have been announced for exchange in the second phase of the ceasefire. Israel claims that Hezbollah has turned a mosque into a weapons depot. Netanyahu stated that a complete withdrawal of Israel from southern Lebanon will not happen for now. Israel has requested a faster implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The new U.S. Secretary of State has discussed Iran with the Israeli Prime Minister.