Hamas Shifts to Guerrilla Tactics as Direct Confrontation Falters

Gaza Crisis: The Gaza War has been going on for almost two years now. More than 65,000 people have lost their lives during this period. Despite this, the Israeli army, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and an air force, has not been able to fully control the 400 square kilometers of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas is changing its war strategy

Hamas has changed its tactics in the ground battle to capture Gaza City. Its fighters are now splitting into small groups and launching surprise attacks on Israeli troops. This guerrilla warfare is making direct combat difficult for the Israeli army and capturing the city challenging.

Ground and Air Operations

The Israeli army's ground operation began last week, while airstrikes have been ongoing since October 2023. Those who were killed include several thousand members of Hamas and other armed organizations. There are about six lakh people living in Gaza City, which may include an estimated 50,000 fighters. Direct combat in this city, riddled with tunnels, is extremely difficult for the Israeli army.

The Strategic Skills of Hamas's Armed Wing

Former Hamas official Wassem Afifah stated that the organization's armed wing is adept at adapting its combat structure to suit the times and circumstances. After two years of fighting, Hamas is now employing a policy of guerrilla warfare. Fighters are defending themselves in small groups and launching surprise attacks on Israeli troops, making it difficult for an organized army to capture them.

Possibility of a Protracted Battle in Gaza City

The lack of face-to-face fighting in Gaza City could lead to a prolonged conflict. William Burns, former director of the American intelligence agency CIA, said Hamas is no longer as strong as it was in 2023. Most of its fighters and commanders have been killed, but the organization may remain active in the fight through guerrilla war and will continuously challenge the Israeli army.