Israeli media cited a security source confirming that "Hamas has successfully restored its capabilities in the northern Gaza Strip."

Reports indicate that an estimated 3,000 Hamas fighters "have resumed operations in the northern Gaza Strip and are actively working to enhance the organization's operational capabilities."

These estimates suggest that the issue involves Hamas recruiting new members in recent months, rather than transferring fighters from the southern to the northern part of the Gaza Strip. That said, senior officials in the security and military establishment have stated that a large-scale incursion into the northern Gaza Strip is becoming inevitable.

'It is not Hamas that is collapsing, it is Israel'

In an article titled "It is not Hamas that is collapsing, but Israel," published in Haaretz, retired Brigadier General Yitzhak Brik offered a critical assessment of the ongoing battles in the Gaza Strip. He underscored the significant and escalating losses "Israel" is facing, arguing that the war is exerting a far heavier toll on "Israel" itself than on Hamas.

He argued that soldiers are exhausted and are losing their skills for lack of training; especially since many are leaving their courses before completing them.

"Some argue that withdrawing army forces from Gaza after signing a hostage deal with Hamas would be the same as being defeated and surrendering... This claim is grounded in a fundamental misunderstanding of what is taking place in the Gaza Strip. It is fueled by clichés spread by the political and military echelons to justify their actions and gain public support and legitimacy to continue a failed war... it is those very same people declaring that a cessation of hostilities means our defeat and surrender who are bringing the military closer to collapse and the state to its downfall," he added.

He pointed out the need to concentrate occupation forces in other sectors, namely in the north and the West Bank due to the ongoing escalations, occupation forces will have to withdraw from Gaza  because there are "not enough forces to fight on several fronts at the same time."

"In other words, the day will come when the IDF will no longer be able to remain in the Gaza Strip because Hamas will be in full control of it – both in the underground tunnel city that stretches hundreds of kilometers and above ground," Brik explained. 

He added, "If we stop raiding because the military is weak and because we have no other choice, or if we move our forces to other areas, our enemies will declare with fanfare that the Israeli military has thrown in the towel, left Gaza and surrendered."

That said, Brik suggested that by preempting matters and agreeing to a deal to return the captives and prisoners, the battles in Gaza must end.