Two years into the conflict, the notion that Hamas is on the brink of collapse is a dangerous delusion, according to one leading expert. Eyal Ofer, a specialist in the terror group's economy, has issued a stark warning that Hamas is planning for the long game, aiming to seize control of the Palestinian Authority (PA) within the next five to ten years.
Speaking on 103Fm Sunday, Ofer underscored the continuing strength and control of the organization, which still governs the Gaza Strip and holds Israeli hostages, despite Israel's prolonged military operation.
The Price of War and Hamas's Resilience
Ofer argued that Israel's intense military campaign has come at a steep price in the international arena, suggesting that Jerusalem could have maintained a stronger position had it not permitted the return of 800,000 evacuated civilians to Gaza City following the initial ground invasion.
While Israel's operations have reportedly "crumble[d]" Hamas's civil infrastructure, eliminating police officers and financial personnel over the last six months, the military wing remains largely intact. Ofer noted reports suggesting the terror group still commands between 10,000 and 20,000 fighters, with unconfirmed intelligence indicating some are being moved, along with their weapons, to the designated humanitarian zone of al-Mawasi and the central Gazan area of Deir al-Balah.
