Reuters: Hamas has resorted to 'hit-and-run' tactics used by insurgent groups

On Thursday, June 6, Reuters reported, citing American and Israeli officials, that Hamas, which has seen half of its forces destroyed during eight months of war, has resorted to 'hit-and-run' tactics used by insurgent groups to thwart Israeli efforts to control Gaza. According to three senior American officials familiar with battlefield developments, Hamas forces, which previously controlled Gaza, have decreased to between 9,000 and 12,000 fighters, while the group's numbers before the war were between 20,000 and 25,000. In contrast, Israel claims to have lost only about 300 soldiers in the Gaza war. One official stated that Hamas fighters are currently largely avoiding ongoing clashes with Israeli forces near Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, and instead have turned to tactics such as surprise operations or roadside bombs, often behind Israeli lines. Reuters notes that several Gaza residents, including Ibrahim, have also observed this change in Hamas's tactics. Ibrahim told Reuters in a phone call, 'In previous months, Hamas fighters would intercept and shoot at Israeli forces as soon as they arrived. But now, there is a significant change in their operations; they wait for Israeli forces to be stationed and then begin their surprise operations.' American officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said that Hamas could utilize such tactics in the coming months by smuggling weapons through tunnels into Gaza and using other weapons that have been repurposed from unexploded munitions or obtained from Israeli forces. This perspective aligns with the timeframe when Benjamin Netanyahu's national security advisor stated last week that the war would continue at least until the end of 2024. Peter Lerner, an Israeli army spokesman, told Reuters that there is still time left until the destruction of Hamas, which he claims has lost nearly half of its combat forces. He stated that the Israeli army is adapting to Hamas's changing tactics and acknowledged that Israel cannot eliminate every single Hamas fighter or destroy every Hamas tunnel. Lerner added, 'Our goal is not to kill the last terrorists on the ground. Such a goal is not realistic... but the destruction of Hamas's military and governance capabilities is achievable.' The war between the Israeli army and the Islamist group Hamas began after the group's terrorist attack on October 7, supported by the Islamic Republic, which resulted in the massacre of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. In this terrorist attack, 253 individuals were taken hostage and brought to the Gaza Strip, of which about 120 are still held captive by Palestinian militants. The European Union announced 'full support' for the U.S. proposal to cease hostilities in Gaza, which is in the interest of the region and the world. Iranian-affiliated influence groups threatened Israeli journalists with death. Hezbollah's continued attacks on northern Israel; Netanyahu warned, and the U.S. expressed concern. Lieberman stated that the Iranian regime is planning for a 'holocaust' in the next two years. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill sanctioning the International Criminal Court, which calls for the arrest of Israeli leaders.