Adnkronos Beirut, March 17 (Adnkronos/AFP) – Hamas is reportedly preparing for a new raid, like the one on October 7, 2023, penetrating once again into Israel. This was claimed by Israel's Channel 12, in an unsourced report that was apparently approved for publication by the military censor. The report also states that Israel has seen a "sharp increase" in Hamas' efforts to carry out attacks against kibbutzim and communities on the border with Gaza and against IDF troops stationed inside Gaza.
It also quotes Defense Minister Israel Katz, who recently told residents of communities near Gaza: "Hamas has suffered a severe blow, but it has not been defeated. There are efforts underway for its recovery. Hamas is constantly preparing to carry out a new raid into Israel, similar to October 7." The television report comes a day after opposition MK Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief, and other opposition lawmakers warned of a worrying resurgence of terror groups in Gaza.
“In recent days, we have been informed that the military power of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad has been restored, to the point that Hamas has over 25.000 armed terrorists, while Jihad has over 5.000,” wrote the lawmakers, all members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.