Hamas's decision not to respond to the assassinations of senior officials for fear of an IDF operation
Hamas has made an explicit decision not to respond militarily against Israel following the assassination of two brigade commanders within days, fearing that a response would give the IDF a pretext to resume the war and enter ground operations. Meanwhile, a JMCC poll reveals that less than 10% of Gaza Strip residents support armed conflict, while an overwhelming majority supports negotiations.
Hamas has made an explicit decision not to respond militarily against Israel following the assassination of two brigade commanders within days: Rafah Brigade Commander Naal Abu Ubaid and Khan Younis Brigade Commander Muhammad Yazouri. The decision stems from the grave fear that a response would give the IDF a pretext to resume the war and enter ground operations beyond the yellow line. Hamas understands that the IDF has the upper hand on the battlefield. Meanwhile, a poll by the Palestinian research institute JMCC, headed by Dr. Rassan al-Khatib, reveals that only 13% of Palestinians support armed conflict, of which less than 10% are in the Gaza Strip. 55.8% of Palestinians (about 65% in the Strip) believe that the right path is negotiations through peaceful means. Hamas's current policy is firm stance and waiting for a political solution, while agreeing to Muhammad Dahlan's proposal to disarm heavy weapons in exchange for an IDF withdrawal and an end to assassinations.