Hamas Resilience in Gaza Highlighted by Reappearance of Key Commander
Israel Faces Renewed Challenges as “Eliminated” Hamas Commander Reappears
Israel’s assertion that Hamas is exploiting the current truce in Gaza to regroup has gained traction with the reappearance of a senior Hamas commander previously declared dead. Hussein Fayyad, associated with Hamas’s Beit Hanoun battalion and blamed by Israel for anti-tank missile and rocket attacks, has resurfaced in a video claiming Hamas’s victory in the recent conflict. This development casts doubt on Israel’s stated goal of eradicating Hamas and underscores the group’s continued presence and influence in Gaza despite intense military pressure.
Fayyad’s reappearance is a symbolic blow to Israel’s military narrative. Initially reported killed in an Israeli operation, his recent appearance challenges the effectiveness of Israel’s targeted killings and raises questions about the accuracy of intelligence assessments. This incident fuels concerns regarding Hamas’s resilience and operational capabilities, especially within the context of the fragile ceasefire that began on January 19, 2025. The video featuring Fayyad serves as a powerful propaganda tool for Hamas, reinforcing a narrative of resilience among its fighters, who are now visible on the streets of Gaza following the ceasefire.
While Hamas has undoubtedly suffered significant losses, with the IDF estimating around 20,000 fighters eliminated, the group’s continued control of Gaza presents a complex challenge. Dr. Michael Milshtein, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, told The Jerusalem Post that in the absence of any other governing entity willing to administer the area, Hamas, with figures like Fayyad, will continue to manage affairs. This assessment highlights the lack of a clear long-term strategy for Gaza post-conflict and the difficulties in displacing Hamas’s established infrastructure.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated dramatically after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and numerous hostages taken. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and leadership. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have eliminated several key Hamas figures, including Abd al-Hadi Sabah and other high-ranking commanders. However, the reappearance of Fayyad casts a shadow on the success of these operations and raises questions about Israel’s overall strategy in Gaza. The incident also reignites debate about the effectiveness of targeted killings as a long-term counterterrorism strategy. The ongoing situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the reappearance of Fayyad serving as a stark reminder of Hamas’s enduring presence and the complex challenges facing Israel.
