The recent attack in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of five Israeli soldiers, has highlighted Hamas’s shift towards guerrilla-style tactics. The attack, which involved remotely operated bombs and small arms fire, took place in the city of Beit Hanoun, an area believed to be under Israeli military control. This incident demonstrates Hamas’s ability to adapt and evolve its tactics, exploiting the vulnerabilities of conventional military forces like the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, described the war as a “battle of attrition” waged against Israel, stating, “Even if it miraculously succeeded recently in freeing its soldiers from hell, it may fail later, leaving us with additional prisoners.” This statement underscores Hamas’s commitment to continuing its resistance efforts, despite being battered and weakened after nearly 21 months of war.
The complex attack in Beit Hanoun involved a Hamas cell placing bombs within the previous 24 hours, preparing an ambush against Israeli forces who likely believed they were operating in relative safety. According to Retired Maj. Gen. Israel Ziv, former head of the IDF’s Operations Directorate, “Hamas has undergone a transformation — it has become a guerrilla organization operating in small cells. It has an abundance of explosives, much of it from the munitions the IDF has dropped there. This is a war of IEDs. Hamas is creating ambushes and taking initiative by controlling key bottlenecks.”
This shift in tactics has significant implications for the conflict. By adopting guerrilla warfare, Hamas aims to wear down Israeli forces over time, stretching their military resources thin and creating a sense of perpetual insecurity. As Ziv noted, “Their war is built around our weaknesses. They don’t defend territory — they seek targets.” The strain on Israel’s military manpower has allowed Hamas to exploit vulnerabilities, even in its weakened state.
The IDF has acknowledged the challenges posed by Hamas’s new tactics. An Israeli military official told CNN that it has become more difficult to effectively target what remains of Hamas, stating, “It’s harder now to achieve tactical goals.” Despite expending the vast majority of its rocket arsenal, Hamas’s ability to move among the ruins of Gaza, armed with improvised explosive devices culled from tens of thousands of Israeli munitions, has turned the rubble of the besieged enclave into a source of resilience.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand that Hamas lay down its arms, ceding its military and governing capability, seems unlikely to be met, given Hamas’s recent attacks and its commitment to resistance. With mediators struggling to bridge key gaps between the sides, a ceasefire remains elusive. As the conflict continues, the IDF will need to adapt its strategies to counter Hamas’s guerrilla tactics effectively.