Hamas Resumes Rocket Production in Gaza as Israeli Media Reports Machine Entering Tunnel
In a recent shocking development, Hamas has reportedly resumed rocket production in Gaza, escalating tensions in the region. According to Israeli media reports, a machine used in the production of rockets has entered a tunnel, indicating a resurgence in Hamas’ military capabilities.
The production of these rockets has led to increased attacks on Israel, with a series of intensifying incidents targeting Israeli-occupied territories in recent weeks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been responding to these attacks, which have been ongoing for over 15 months since October 7, 2023.
Expert Analysis: Rise of Hamas Military Power
Experts suggest that the firing of rockets by Hamas into Israel signifies a significant recovery in its military strength. Reports indicate that Hamas has been able to bolster its military capabilities, supported by technical units involved in the production and assembly of explosives and weaponry within the tunnel network in Gaza.
“Hamas now possesses hundreds of new rockets that have been produced following the introduction of a ‘lathe machine’ into the tunnel,” the reports state.
Current Threat Level and Recent Attacks
On January 6, militants in northern Gaza launched three rockets towards Sderot, Ibim, and Nir Am, with one being intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. The other two rockets caused damage but resulted in no casualties.
These attacks come after days of sirens blaring in southern Israel, with only a few turning out to be false alarms. The intensification of these attacks highlights the persistent threat posed by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) to Israeli territories.
Decrease in Rocket Arsenal
While there has been a reduction in the threat level posed by Hamas and PIJ, reports suggest that their rocket arsenal and operational capabilities have significantly dwindled since the conflict began in October 2023.
Initially, Hamas and PIJ were reported to have a vast arsenal of 15,000 rockets and attacking forces ready to seize Israeli territory. However, current assessments by the IDF indicate that these groups now possess only a fraction of their former arsenal, primarily made up of guerrilla cells armed with light weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, explosives, and a limited number of projectiles.
Despite this assessment, Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, believes that the actual number of rockets in the possession of Palestinian militant groups may be more substantial than estimated.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the resurgence of Hamas’ military capabilities poses a significant threat to stability and peace in the area. The situation remains fluid, with both sides closely monitoring developments for any further escalation in hostilities.
