Israel’s army has adjusted its tactics in the Gaza Strip. Instead of sporadic incursions, it is increasingly relying on a permanent military presence in key regions of the coastal enclave. Corridors like the Morag Corridor in the south, strategic neighborhoods around Gaza City, and the encirclement of Rafah not only mark operational successes but also represent symbolic power shifts. The IDF doesn’t just want to invade; it wants to stay. This form of territorial control hits Hamas harder than any airstrike. Because with every lost square kilometer, not only does military freedom of movement diminish, but also the ideological claim to “non-negotiable Palestinian land.” The tunnels, which were considered the backbone of Hamas’s military strategy, are increasingly under pressure – and with them, the illusion of being invincible.

And yet, despite months of fighting and massive airstrikes, Hamas’s terrorist record remains mixed. Only about a quarter of Hamas’s extensive tunnel system has been destroyed so far, with around 500 kilometers of intact tunnels still believed to be under the Gaza Strip. These underground facilities serve as retreat spaces,...

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