Fri. Feb 14th, 2025

Why did Hamas resume firing rockets from Gaza into Israel?

January 12, 2025 , , , , ,
The Israeli Iron Dome intercepts rockets launched from Gaza on August 1, 2022 Photo: Israel Defense Forces via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

By Yoni Ben Menachem

Rockets from Gaza, right, are seen in the night sky fired towards southern Israel from Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip on May 14, 2021, while Iron Dome interceptor missiles, left, rise to intercept them. (Anas Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

Restoration of military capabilities

Hamas has managed to rebuild some of its military infrastructure, including rocket production.

According to Israeli security sources, the organization's military wing has recovered to some extent, producing hundreds of new rockets using lathes smuggled into tunnels that remain operational in Gaza.

This resurgence in production comes as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops have redeployed from Gaza to the northern front to confront Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The reduction in pressure on Hamas's infrastructure has facilitated this recovery.

On October 7, Hamas launched more than 5.000 rockets at Israel, and subsequent daily launches depleted its arsenal.

However, the recent resumption of rocket fire indicates a partial replenishment of its arsenal and the continued operational capability of the organization.

Reasons to resume rocket launches

Hamas's decision to resume rocket attacks is motivated by both operational and political considerations.

By firing rockets, Hamas seeks to demonstrate its resilience and operational capability despite the prolonged IDF offensive.

This message is addressed to both Gazans and the Israeli public, and underlines that Hamas remains a significant force even after suffering heavy losses.

The rockets fired from northern Gaza are intended to signal that Israel cannot easily occupy this region, currently a focal point of IDF operations.

Even if the IDF eventually gains control, Hamas aims to project the image of persistent and tenacious resistance.

Hamas is seeking to exact a price from Israeli communities near Gaza in retaliation for IDF actions in northern Gaza.

This is part of its broader strategy of attrition, countering Israeli military advances with constant resistance.

Rocket launches are also a political statement.

Hamas is trying to convey that Israel's operations in Gaza have not achieved their objectives.

By continuing its attacks, Hamas undermines the Israeli government's narrative of progress and boosts the morale of the Palestinian population.

Strategic implications

The resumption of rocket fire is a tactical move in Hamas's broader strategy of waging a war of attrition while influencing ongoing negotiations in Doha over a possible hostage deal and ceasefire.

By maintaining pressure on Israel, Hamas aims to extract concessions and shape the terms of any final agreement.

Furthermore, rocket attacks serve to damage Israeli public morale while heightening feelings of Palestinian resistance.

Hamas leaders view such actions as essential to demonstrating their continued relevance and strength, both to their constituents and to Israel.

Conclusion

Hamas' resumption of rocket fire underscores its determination to persist in the face of Israeli military operations.

The organization's actions reflect a combination of operational recovery, strategic resilience and political signals.

As the conflict continues, these rocket attacks serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that exist in achieving a lasting solution in the region.

Source: Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs

2 thoughts on “Why did Hamas resume firing rockets from Gaza into Israel?”
  1. This shows that Israel has not yet been able to carry out a complete clean-up in Gaza, and continues to introduce weapons and materials to build missiles there.

  2. In the kingdom of fauna there are some animals that are wounded in their last throes before dying… they spread their poisons. In the spiritual realm, Satan and his demons know that they have little time left… therefore, they are the cause of a variety of adversities (afflictions-anxiety-calamities-pains-sufferings) tribulations. Answer. Do the 17 million Jewish-Israelites know the final destiny of Palestinians? What is that? Contrary Arabs. The greatest undefeated and invincible Jew says: “In the world you will have AFFLICTION, but TRUST, I have overcome the world.” The remnant of Israel BELIEVES it. - Hugs.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.