Hidden beneath residential neighborhoods, Hamas fighters store their weapons in miles of tunnels and in various civilian structures, blurring the line between civilians and combatants. They emerge in plainclothes, sometimes even wearing sandals or tracksuits, to attack Israeli troops, attach mines to vehicles, or fire rockets from launchers in civilian areas. During the eight months of fighting in Gaza, Hamas’s Qassam Brigades have operated as a decentralized and mostly unseen force, utilizing surprise attacks to counter Israel’s technological and numerical advantages.
Retreating from their bases and outposts, most Hamas fighters avoid direct battles with Israeli forces, instead launching surprise attacks on small groups of soldiers. They have rigged abandoned homes with explosives and tripwires, sometimes using signs of a Hamas presence to lure Israeli soldiers into booby-trapped buildings. Despite the heavy toll on the Palestinian population, Hamas’s strategy has allowed them to continue fighting and achieve some of their goals.
By using a vast network of tunnels, civilian infrastructure, and disguising fighters as civilians, Hamas has managed to evade Israeli forces and prolong the conflict. Their use of guerrilla tactics and unconventional warfare has frustrated Israeli officials and led to international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Hamas’s strategy of blending in with civilian populations and using civilian attire has been defended by some members as a necessity in their fight against Israel.
Hamas’s response to Israel’s ground invasion in October exemplified their strategy of ambushing Israeli forces once they had advanced deep into Gaza. Utilizing tunnels and small groups of fighters, Hamas engaged Israeli tanks and personnel carriers, inflicting casualties and damage. With a network of tunnels and hidden entry points across Gaza, Hamas has been able to maintain communication and coordinate attacks despite Israeli efforts to monitor their activities.