Three years later: Hamas rules Gaza, Israel far from decision | Status report

Three years after October 7, security officials admit that Hamas still controls Gaza, despite IDF control of 64% of the Strip and targeted killings. In the absence of a political plan, Hamas continues to collect taxes from aid trucks and hold onto weapons. The IDF makes clear: we will not give up on full demilitarization.

Three years after the October 7, 2023 massacre, senior security officials admit that Hamas still effectively rules the Gaza Strip, despite significant military achievements. The IDF currently holds about 64% of the Strip's territory through two divisions and some 30 outposts, and carries out continuous targeted killings – in the past month alone, 70 operatives were eliminated, including three brigade commanders. However, in the absence of a political plan for the Strip's future, Hamas remains on its feet. A particularly sensitive point is the continued entry of some 600 aid trucks into the Strip daily with Israeli approval, which Hamas takes over and collects taxes from merchants. The IDF admits there is no solution to this, though it claims the funds do not translate into significant military buildup due to a lack of raw materials and ammunition. Security officials express skepticism about Hamas's willingness to disarm as part of a future arrangement, emphasizing that "giving up weapons means ceasing to exist." Meanwhile, the heavy burden on the reserve system, with soldiers accumulating over 500 reserve days, requires complex decisions to reduce forces in the coming year.