Hamas Retains Underground Networks and Armed Presence Despite Severe Losses
Almost three years after October 7, Hamas retains tens of thousands of fighters, active tunnel networks, and rocket manufacturing capabilities despite heavy IDF strikes.
Nearly three years after October 7, Hamas is far from its pre-war state—yet far from disappearing. Despite ongoing counter-terrorism operations, a funeral procession in the Gaza Strip over the weekend showcased a stark gap: dozens of unmasked armed men, many believed to be Hamas operatives, marched openly.
The group's remaining strength extends beyond its estimated 25,000 to 30,000 armed fighters. Hamas continues to maintain and reinforce tunnel networks, particularly beyond the Yellow Line, while operating underground rocket lathes in unmaneuvered areas and dense population centers. While active rocket launches remain frozen due to fear of Israeli retaliation, the underlying manufacturing capacity persists.
Simultaneously, the organization is working to preserve weapon stockpiles by distributing arms to affiliated civilians rather than strict military members. Intelligence assessments indicate this is a calculated bid to keep weaponry accessible to loyalists even in a post-conflict disarmament scenario.
Smuggling channels also remain active, with operatives utilizing drones to traffic armaments from Egypt. Although concrete volume estimates are unavailable, the persistence of aerial smuggling underscores the group's ongoing efforts to rebuild capabilities. Experts emphasize that while the IDF and the Shin Bet maintain severe military pressure, a missing political framework prevents a definitive resolution in the Gaza Strip.
