The Lebanese organization’s structure, Iranian funding and recruitment capabilities ensure a continuous flow of personnel to replace losses.

Such a scenario would relieve the Islamist group of responsibility for governance and allow it to rebuilt its military-terrorist power.

The military’s growing control of Gaza created conditions for the daring daylight hostage rescue in Nuseirat • Terrorists fired waves of RPGs at the extraction force from civilian areas.

Since seizing power in the Strip in 2007, the Islamist group has installed massive quantities of arms in civilian households.

Historical failures raise well-founded doubts about the ability of such forces to deal with terror movements.

The military is evaluating indications that the deadly fire may have been caused by secondary detonations, says IDF official.

Israeli observers differ on Egypt’s role regarding the estimated 50 tunnels linking Gaza to Sinai, but agree the situation must be managed cautiously.

The Israeli military is ramping up operations throughout the Gaza Strip.

The move limits Hamas’s smuggling efforts, and also demonstrates that Israel is not deterred by international pressure.

The army has already conducted large-scale urban warfare sweeps in Khan Yunis, Gaza City.