Sunday, August 24, 2025

Hamas v Israel Endgame 8-24-25

Estimates regarding the remaining number of Hamas fighters vary, with recent figures from the Israeli press suggesting that 16,000 to 18,000 fighters remain. Other sources have placed the number slightly higher, with some suggesting that Hamas may still have around 20,000 men. These figures indicate that Hamas has been able to replenish its ranks since the start of the war, potentially offsetting losses incurred during the conflict.  

Different perspectives

·       Israeli claims: Israel estimates that it has killed around 17,000 Hamas fighters since October 7, 2023.

·       Hamas claims: Hamas claims to have lost between 6,000 and 7,000 members from its armed and civilian wings.

·       Independent analysis: Analysis from ACLED, based on detailed reports, suggests a figure of around 8,500 militant fatalities, which includes fighters from other armed groups and potentially non-combatant Hamas members. 

Factors affecting estimates

·       Difficulty in obtaining verifiable intelligence: The nature of the conflict and the difficulty in gathering information from inside Gaza make it challenging to obtain precise data on Hamas's strength.

·       Hamas's recruitment efforts: Hamas has been able to recruit new members throughout the conflict, though many are believed to be young and untrained.

·       Ambiguity in defining "fighter": The term "fighter" can be interpreted differently, potentially including individuals involved in supporting roles or those with loose affiliations to Hamas. 

It's important to note that these are estimates, and the actual number of Hamas fighters remaining may be higher or lower. 

Determining the exact number of Hamas fighters remaining is challenging due to the difficulties in obtaining verifiable intelligence from inside Gaza. However, based on available information: 

·       Pre-war estimates: Prior to October 7, 2023, Hamas was believed to have between 20,000 and 30,000 fighters.

·       Casualties: Israel claims to have killed around 17,000 Hamas fighters since the start of the war, though these figures are disputed and haven't been independently verified. Hamas itself claims it lost significantly fewer, according to an Al Jazeera article.

·       Recruitment: Despite the casualties, US intelligence suggests Hamas has recruited up to 15,000 new fighters during the war, potentially replacing many of its losses.

·       Current Estimates: Due to these factors, it is difficult to determine the precise number of remaining fighters. However, estimates suggest Hamas may still retain up to nearly half the number of its pre-war fighters, potentially around 16,000-18,000 fighters according to Israeli estimates. The Jerusalem Post reported in July 2025 that Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister estimated Hamas may still have 20,000 men. 

It's important to note:

·       These numbers are estimates based on intelligence reports and assessments, and the actual figures could differ.

·       Hamas has also shown the capacity to adapt, utilizing guerrilla warfare tactics and explosives against the Israeli forces.

·       The group's ability to recruit new members further complicates efforts to assess its remaining strength. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+hamas+fighters+are+there+left

How many square miles in Gaza are occupied by Hamas fighters lately in august 2025

Information from August 2025 indicates that Hamas controls a decreasing amount of territory within the Gaza Strip, according to multiple sources

Specifically:

·       As of August 13, 2025, 86.3 percent of the Gaza Strip remained within the Israeli-militarized zone or under displacement orders, or where these overlap.

·       While Israel's military claims to control roughly 75% of Gaza, according to Wikipedia, this figure is disputed, with some reports suggesting Hamas retains significant influence in certain areas.

·       Some sources suggest that only approximately 35 square miles of the Gaza Strip remain outside direct Israeli military control and therefore, according to wsws.org, potentially still under Hamas administration.

·       Hamas remains entrenched in areas like Gaza City, despite intensified Israeli attacks and plans for a full takeover.

·       Hamas has also threatened to relocate hostages into Gaza City to use them as human shields, potentially complicating Israeli military operations.

·       The UN estimates that nearly 90% of Gaza is under military control or off-limits to Palestinians and deemed a red zone. 

It's crucial to acknowledge that the situation in Gaza is highly dynamic and contested, with differing accounts and ongoing military operations making it difficult to pinpoint the exact area under Hamas control at any given moment. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+square+miles+in+gaza+are+occupied+by+hamas+fighters+lately+in+august+2025

Comments

Israel will likely continue to bomb sites in Gaza where Hamas Fighters are located, based on Hamas Missile Launch Locations and intelligence reports. Israel wants to minimize further casualties in the Israeli Military. Israel will also use its resources to identify where hostages are held and attempt rescues by Israeli ground troops.

I believe the reports that Israel controls 75% of Gaza as of August 2025. Based on Israel’s progress since October 2023, I expect Israel to complete its eradication of Hamas by October 2025.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

 

 

 

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