According to the publication, Hamas is rebuilding its military capabilities, including repairing damaged tunnel infrastructure. The group is also receiving new financial infusions and resuming payments to its militants.
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas was supposed to disarm; however, as WSJ points out, the group is only willing to surrender part of its heavy weaponry, while small arms remain in their possession. The Israeli side estimates that Hamas has about 60,000 small arms and that their number of militants is around 20,000. One Israeli official told the publication that if Hamas does not agree to voluntary disarmament, Israel will be forced to resort to forceful measures.
The ceasefire period, which began in October, ended nearly two years of intense hostilities during which much of the Gaza Strip was destroyed. Currently, the enclave is effectively divided: Israel controls just over half of the territory, while the rest remains under Hamas's control. The resumption of the conflict, as WSJ emphasizes, could have severe consequences for about two million Palestinians, most of whom have been forced to leave their homes.
The publication also reports that Hamas's position on disarmament may change after the election of a new leader for the organization outside of Gaza. Possible candidates for this position include Khalil al-Hayya, who opposes disarmament, and Khaled Mashal, who is considered more inclined to compromise with Israel.
Additionally, WSJ reminds that last November, The New York Times reported on the Trump administration's plans for the accelerated construction of residential complexes for Palestinians in areas controlled by Israel that were destroyed as a result of the war.
