The Reemergence of a Hamas Commander and Israel’s Gaza Dilemma

In a startling turn of events, Hussein Fiad, a senior Hamas commander believed to have been killed by the IDF in May, reappeared in a video on January 22. The gaunt Fiad, who led Hamas fighters in Beit Hanoun and northern Gaza, delivered a speech proclaiming Hamas’s survival as a victory, signaling the group’s confidence in its enduring presence in Gaza.

Fiad’s statement encapsulated Hamas’s strategy: survival equals success. “When one doesn’t achieve their goals, they lose,” Fiad remarked, asserting that Israel’s inability to completely dismantle Hamas in Gaza constitutes a loss. By contrast, Hamas’s self-defined victory lies in its continued ability to govern Gaza and persist as a military threat.

The IDF had previously announced Fiad’s death during operations in Jabaliya, describing him as the commander of Hamas’s Beit Hanoun Battalion, responsible for anti-tank missile and rocket attacks on Israel. His reemergence symbolizes the broader challenge Israel faces in Gaza. Despite intense fighting and significant Hamas casualties estimated at 20,000 key figures like Fiad remain active, perpetuating the group’s operations.

Beit Hanoun, a town in northern Gaza just a mile from Sderot, exemplifies the persistent threat to Israel. Rockets are frequently launched from the area, and despite heavy IDF offensives, Hamas repeatedly rebuilds its capabilities there. After three months of fierce fighting, the IDF redeployed its Nahal Brigade from Beit Hanoun following the January 19 ceasefire, leaving Hamas intact to resume its control.

Hamas’s survival strategy relies on dispersing its fighters into small groups, hiding among urban rubble, and waiting out the IDF’s offensives. The group’s endurance is bolstered by the lack of an alternative governing entity in Gaza, enabling Hamas to maintain control even after suffering heavy losses.

Fiad’s reappearance underscores the need for Israel to develop a clear strategy to counter Hamas’s tactics. While military operations have dealt significant blows to the group, the absence of a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s future ensures that Hamas will continue to pose a threat.

Hamas’s resilience demonstrates the complexity of achieving lasting security in the region. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Israel in confronting terrorism.