Hamas Rebuilds Military Strength, Recruiting Teens Amid Gaza Ceasefire
GAZA CITY — In the months following the Israeli military withdrawal from parts of Gaza in October 2025, Hamas has been actively rebuilding its military capabilities and recruiting teenage fighters during the ongoing ceasefire, according to national security experts. The pause in hostilities has provided the militant group with crucial breathing room to strengthen its hold over the region, raising alarms about the future stability of the Gaza Strip.
Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, warned that Hamas now enjoys near-complete freedom of movement across the western Gaza Strip. “Everything that is happening will continue happening as long as Hamas continues to effectively control the western part of the Gaza Strip,” Michael told reporters. His assessment highlights the group’s ability to rebuild its terror infrastructure and recruit a new generation of fighters, including teenagers.
Following the ceasefire agreement and subsequent Israeli forces’ withdrawal, Hamas swiftly moved to fill the power vacuum in Gaza. Police forces returned to the streets, but reports indicate that Hamas militants targeted and executed suspected opponents to consolidate control. The group has expanded its presence into areas formerly patrolled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), according to a December report from the Jewish News Syndicate, which found that Hamas is actively reestablishing its regime of terror in nearly half of the territory under its control.
The militant group is also preparing to elect a new political leader following the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, the latter being a key figure behind the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Senior Hamas figures Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal are the leading contenders for the position. The Jerusalem Post reports that al-Hayya is favored due to his popularity in Gaza and influence in the West Bank.
Professor Michael expressed concern that the leadership transition is unlikely to moderate Hamas’s stance. “Both leaders are problematic,” he said. “Each one, in his own way, is considered to be more militant and more radical in his Gazan orientation and his support for armed resistance.” Even Mashaal, often viewed as politically oriented, supports the continuation of armed struggle.
These developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israeli officials recently announcing the killing of Ra’ad Sa’ad, a senior Hamas leader involved in orchestrating the October 7 massacre. The ongoing ceasefire has not prevented sporadic violence, including recent attacks that resulted in the deaths of Israeli soldiers.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges facing efforts to achieve lasting peace. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
As Hamas rebuilds its military capabilities and solidifies control over Gaza, international observers warn that without significant political and security interventions, the cycle of violence may persist, complicating prospects for stability in the region.
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