NY Times: Hamas Stronger After Two-Year War With Israel

Date: 08 December 2025 - 21:51

News ID: ۱۴۶۶۲۹

GAZA CITY (Dispatches) -- Despite enduring a brutal two-year war with Israel, Hamas has emerged resilient and firmly in control of the Gaza Strip, according to reporting by The New York Times.
Analysts say the resistance group’s rapid recovery underscores its organizational strength and enduring legitimacy among Palestinians.
The New York Times, in a report by Adam Rasgon, notes that even after suffering losses of key commanders and significant portions of its arsenal, Hamas quickly filled the void left by Israeli withdrawals under the October ceasefire.
Police forces loyal to the movement have returned to the streets, and security operations have stabilized local neighborhoods, ensuring continuity of governance and public order, the paper said.
Hamas leaders have also taken practical steps to sustain Gaza’s economy, including imposing duties on certain imported goods, which officials say help fund essential services and maintain social stability. According to local merchants, the measures have been implemented in a controlled manner, reflecting the movement’s ability to manage resources effectively while providing security for civilians.
Israeli and Arab intelligence sources cited in the New York Times confirm that Hamas has maintained significant infrastructure, including hidden depots and a substantial portion of its tunnel network.
“Hamas may have been struck hard, but it is far from defeated,” said Shalom Ben Hanan, a former senior Israeli intelligence official. He estimated that the group still commands approximately 20,000 trained fighters, highlighting its rapid replenishment of personnel and leadership after the conflict.
General Erez Wiener, formerly a senior official in the Israeli military, noted that Hamas has swiftly replaced fallen commanders, demonstrating remarkable organizational resilience. The group continues to oversee central governance in Gaza, including security services and municipal functions, ensuring that life continues with relative normalcy despite external pressures.
Hamas officials have emphasized their readiness to cooperate with technocratic bodies to administer Gaza responsibly while warning against any attempts to create a power vacuum.
Senior Hamas official Hossam Badran stated, “We are committed to preserving security and stability. Any disruption of governance would only threaten the well-being of our people.”
Observers argue that the movement’s ability to survive repeated military campaigns and maintain authority in Gaza defies external expectations and reflects the depth of local support.
The New York Times’ reporting reinforces the view that Hamas is not only a resilient resistance movement but also a competent governing entity capable of safeguarding Gaza’s residents amid ongoing regional challenges.