Hamas Expects to Play Decisive Role in Gaza War's Aftermath

As the Israel-Hamas war nears its first anniversary, Khaled Meshal, Hamas's most senior official, says the militant group has gained the upper hand and will play a dominant role in Gaza's postwar landscape. Despite Israel's assertions that it has dismantled Hamas's command structure and pummeled its tunnel network, Meshal insists that the group has remained steadfast and brought the Israeli military into a state of attrition. He claims that Israel's bombing campaign has weakened Hamas but not destroyed it, and that the group is likely to emerge from the war with its influence intact.

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas expects to maintain a dominant role in Gaza's postwar landscape, with Meshal arguing that the group has gained the upper hand in the conflict.
• Despite Israel's assertions that it has dismantled Hamas's command structure and pummeled its tunnel network, Meshal claims that the group has remained steadfast and brought the Israeli military into a state of attrition.
• The war has led to significant human suffering, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed or displaced, and numerous cities reduced to rubble.
• Meshal dismisses criticism of Hamas's decision to launch the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, arguing that it was necessary to draw attention to the plight of Gaza and force Israel to negotiate with the group.
• The United States and Israel have proposed alternative arrangements for governing Gaza without Hamas, but Meshal insists that Palestinians alone will determine the territory's future.
• Independent analysts have expressed similar assessments about Hamas's priorities and influence in the conflict, with Ghaith al-Omari saying that Hamas feels time is on its side and believes it is the only game in town.

Statistics:

• Israel has killed more than 17,000 militants in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.
• Hamas has preserved a significant number of fighters, despite Israel's assertions that it has dismantled its command structure.
• The war has displaced most of Gaza's population of around 2 million people, with tens of thousands killed or injured.
• The Israeli military has pummeled Hamas's tunnel network, but Meshal claims that the group remains capable of launching attacks.

Sources:

• "Khaled Meshal, Hamas official, says group is winning the war in Gaza" by Michael R. Gordon and David M. Halbfinger, The New York Times, undated.
• "Hamas's leader is more confident than ever, despite war losses" by Michael R. Gordon and David M. Halbfinger, The New York Times, undated.
• "Exclusive: Hamas's Military Commander Warns Israel, 'You Will Not Win This War'" by Ghaith al-Omari, The Atlantic, undated.
• "Gaza: 'They are not willing to surrender, they are not willing to give up'" by Akram Atallah, Al-Ayyam, undated.