Hamas will weigh options amid Rafah operation - analysis
Though the Gaza-ruling terrorist organization had been putting out messages of so-called flexibility, they took a gamble with their attack on Kerem Shalom.
As Israel signals its intention to begin a limited operation in eastern Rafah, Hamas is weighing its next moves. On Sunday, the terrorist group carried out an attack at Kerem Shalom that targeted IDF soldiers.The attack was carried out with 114-mm. rockets, Hamas said in a statement. Therefore, it is very aware that the attack could provoke an Israeli response. Hamas knows that Israel has withdrawn from most of Gaza, meaning that the terrorist group has achieved many of its war aims – basically getting an Israeli withdrawal from most areas and a kind of de facto ceasefire in some areas.Therefore, Hamas was gambling on Sunday with its attack, even as it had put out messaging about its “flexibility” in the ongoing ceasefire and hostage talks. Hamas has generally believed it is kind of “playing” Israel in this respect.
Impatiently awaiting the IDF's response
Its backers in Doha and Ankara give Hamas the cover to feel it is winning. This is because military pressure on Hamas generally ended in March. Initially, Israel waged a campaign that had brought pressure on the terrorist group, and Hamas was surprised by Israel’s response and that the international community was not able to prevent the war from continuing.
But Hamas regrouped quickly in northern Gaza in February and March. It also has regrouped in other areas. It has reestablished some capabilities to fire rockets, often working with other terrorist groups in Gaza.This is not to say it has the extensive capabilities to manufacture long-range rockets and fire large barrages.
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