Hamas rebuilds military, recruits teenage fighters during Gaza ceasefire

Hamas is rebuilding a new terror apparatus in Gaza and using the ceasefire with Israel to strengthen its army, repair its troubled leadership structure and recruit a new generation of young fighters, according to a leading national security analyst.

Professor Kobi MichaelA senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute told Fox News Digital that the pause in hostilities has given Hamas breathing room to regroup.

“As long as Hamas continues to effectively control the western part of the Gaza Strip, everything that is happening will continue to happen,” Michael said.

“Generally speaking, Hamas now has complete freedom of action,” he warned.

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Since Israeli forces withdrew from parts of Gaza under a new ceasefire in October, Hamas has moved to fill the power vacuum.

At the time, Hamas fighters were targeting and executing suspected dissidents while police forces returned to the streets.

Multiple reports indicate that Hamas has begun to rebuild significant parts of Gaza, including areas where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) previously operated.

December report Jewish News Syndicate It was revealed that Hamas was “actively rebuilding its terrorist regime” in almost half of the territory it controls.

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Banners with the photo of Hamas terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an Israeli attack, were hung on the streets in Tehran, Iran, on October 19, 2024. The giant banner hung in Palestine Square read “Sinwar Storm Continues”. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Hamas is preparing to elect its new political leader after the killing of Ismail Haniye and Yahya Sinwar, the masterminds of the October 7 massacre in Israel.

According to The Jerusalem Post, senior Hamas figures Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal are among the contenders, with Hayya seen as the favorite due to his popularity in Gaza and his role in the West Bank.

Michael said the leadership race was unlikely to change Hamas’ already dangerous course.

“Both leaders are problematic,” he said. “Each is considered more militant and radical in its own way in terms of its orientation towards Gaza and its support for armed resistance.”

Even Meshaal, who is often described as more politically oriented, “still favors the continuation of armed resistance,” Michael added.

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Hamas politburo member Khalil al-Hayya attends a press conference in Damascus, Syria, on October 19, 2022. (Yamam al-Shaar/REUTERS/File Photo)

“When it comes to Hamas, it doesn’t really matter who the next political leader of this terrorist organization will be.”

Michael said one of the most worrying developments was Hamas’ increasing success in recruiting youth during the ceasefire.

“It has now become very easy for Hamas to recruit young people because they effectively control the western part of the Gaza Strip.” He noted that Hamas has become “the most reliable employer in the Gaza Strip” by offering small incomes to 16- or 17-year-old boys.

“It seems very natural that they would join Hamas, because some of them have also lost relatives and therefore have an urge for revenge.”

“They may also choose to be in bullying neighborhoods, like the ghettos in Chicago,” he said.

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Michael claimed that Hamas “also rebuilt the tunnels because they had full freedom of movement.”

“They have also appointed new governors to different parts of Gaza and are rebuilding their government and military stock,” Michael added.