Hamas Prepares for Potential Final Stand in Gaza City as Israeli Forces Advance
Reports indicate Hamas is preparing for intensified fighting within Gaza City as Israeli forces approach the urban center. A Hamas figure, speaking to the BBC, stated that Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the group’s military commander, has ordered the mobilization of available fighters throughout the Gaza Strip towards the city, anticipating a “final, decisive battle.”
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) previously estimated up to 3,000 Hamas fighters were present in Gaza City, the Hamas source claimed a force of 5,000, and alluded to the potential use of suicide attacks – a tactic not widely employed by Hamas in the current conflict. These figures remain unverified by the BBC.
Independent verification of details from within Gaza is severely restricted.international journalists have been barred from independent access to the Gaza Strip by Israel since the beginning of the war, which began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Access for journalists is currently limited to IDF-controlled visits.
The Hamas figure also asserted that some of the group’s tunnel network remains intact,and that lessons have been learned from previous engagements with Israeli forces. This follows orders issued before his death by former military chief Mohammed Deif, advocating a shift towards guerrilla tactics and ambushes to counter losses.
Reports from Gaza City residents indicate a pattern of rapid Israeli incursions into urban areas, followed by swift withdrawals. Israeli media reports detail the IDF’s use of remotely controlled, explosive-laden armored vehicles to target Hamas positions and structures. Additionally, Israel is reportedly deploying drones equipped with loudspeakers to issue evacuation warnings, contributing to widespread panic.
The escalating conflict is driving further displacement within Gaza. The UN estimates at least 321,000 people have fled south along the al-Rashid road as mid-August, while the IDF places the total number of evacuees at 640,000. This journey has become financially burdensome, with families reportedly paying upwards of $3,000 (£2,450) for transportation, a sum beyond the reach of most residents.
Those remaining in Gaza City,estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands,face ongoing bombardment,collapsing healthcare infrastructure,and severe shortages of food and water. A UN-backed agency confirmed a famine in the area in late August.
Since the start of the Israeli military campaign in response to the October 7th attacks, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports at least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli attacks.
