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Israel’s Airstrikes Kill Hamas Leaders, But Group Remains Resilient
Israel's latest airstrikes kill Hamas' Gaza chief & top officials, but sources say Hamas remains intact, adapting tactics & governing Gaza. Conflict poised to escalate.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-21
Israel’s Airstrikes Kill Hamas Leaders, But Group Remains Resilient

Israel inflicted serious damage on Hamas this week, killing its Gaza government chief Essam Addalees and internal security head Mahmoud Abu Watfa in targeted airstrikes. However, sources suggest that despite these losses, Hamas retains military and governance capabilities, demonstrating its ability to adapt and continue operating.

Hamas Adapts Leadership Model

Following the October killing of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas shifted from reliance on a single leader to a council-based leadership. The group's military wing has transitioned from large-scale rocket attacks to guerrilla warfare while its political leaders avoid electronic surveillance by using human couriers for communication.

Renewed Conflict After Ceasefire Collapse

Israel’s latest military offensive shattered a weeks-long ceasefire, which had temporarily halted hostilities after over a year of intense conflict since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Although Hamas initially held back, it later fired rockets at Tel Aviv in response to Israeli airstrikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that the war’s goal remains the complete destruction of Hamas as both a military force and a governing entity. Officials say the current strikes aim to erode Hamas' administrative control in Gaza and pressure the group to release remaining Israeli hostages.

Hamas' Continued Resistance

Despite losing thousands of fighters, Hamas remains operational. Experts and intelligence analysts note that:

  • Hamas continues recruiting from Gaza’s unemployed youth.
  • The group produces explosives from unexploded Israeli ordnance.
  • It maintains control over salaries for government workers and operates through a shadow administration.

Former Israeli military intelligence officer Michael Milshtein remarked that Hamas remains the dominant power in Gaza, despite leadership losses.

What’s Next?

With a full-scale conflict expected to resume, Hamas' ability to withstand Israel’s military pressure will determine how long the war drags on and what post-war Gaza may look like.
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