While the IDF Southern Command readies for possible renewed fighting to disarm Hamas, reports indicate that the International Stabilization Force has started receiving gear to support disarmament work in the Gaza Strip.

Southern Command sources confirm that in the last 24 hours dozens of vehicles, some bulletproof, arrived in Gaza from ISF headquarters in Kiryat Gat and were handed to American units.

This equipment transfer forms part of wider steps to let the ISF assume security duties in selected Gaza zones.

The IDF currently holds roughly 70 percent of the Gaza Strip in its effort to clear terrorists, tunnels and arms, yet Hamas still governs the remaining 30 percent.

Officials tied to the regional effort note that diplomatic progress hinges on a capable local force disarming Hamas and securing the territory, yet the reverse appears underway.

Hamas Keeps Grip on Gaza and Rejects Disarmament

Hamas maintains rule in Gaza, declines to surrender weapons, and American moves are advancing plans without Israeli consent, against the political leadership preference to neutralize Hamas before any rebuilding begins.

Security sources worry the Americans may create a tangled situation featuring ISF-run zones claimed free of militants, Hamas-held pockets and IDF-controlled sectors.

Officials told Walla this week that Hamas excels at exploiting gaps and will not readily surrender authority during reconstruction.

IDF estimates show Gaza terror groups possess around 27,000 weapons, among them thousands of long-range rockets plus varied explosives, some fashioned from unexploded ordnance.

Hamas also fields drones, motorized paragliders, watercraft, diving gear, an intelligence apparatus and a command hierarchy of battalion, company and platoon leaders, along with fresh tunnel excavation efforts.

Security figures assess that Hamas leaders focus on survival and entrenching power, avoiding clashes with the IDF in hopes that outside pressure may again limit Israeli strikes as seen in Lebanon.

Hamas Readies for Possible Renewed IDF Gaza Push

Even so, Hamas leadership prepares for an IDF advance into central Gaza City zones still under its complete control.

IDF assessments suggest Hamas plans will start defensive but shift quickly to offensive strikes on Israeli troops rather than civilian sites, to avoid harming its standing in global opinion.

Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor continues pressing for resumed operations against Hamas, targeting sectors untouched by Israeli forces since the war began.

In those zones Hamas stockpiles arms and shelters senior operatives. Despite heavy losses over the past 1,000 days since the October 7 attack, Hamas still governs Gaza, threatens Israeli civilians and benefits from US limits on Israeli action, while steadily rebuilding its military strength and hold on power.