Captured Hamas document details terror operative training during early 2025 ceasefire

A captured Hamas document uncovered by the IDF during operations in Gaza indicates that the terror group used the January-March 2025 ceasefire with Israel to rapidly train and prepare new fighters for renewed combat, according to a report published by the government-affiliated Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.

The report says the document detailed a seven-day training program held between February 17 and March 1 for 121 new recruits assigned to Hamas’s Shejaiya Battalion, while the ceasefire was still in effect.

According to the document, the recruits underwent training in field combat skills, anti-tank tactics, use of Israeli weapons including M16 and Tavor rifles, first aid, drone defense and combat documentation, alongside religious and ideological indoctrination sessions.

The report says Hamas also incorporated operational lessons learned from the war into the accelerated training program, which was specifically designed to be completed before the ceasefire expired.

The Meir Amit Center assesses that Hamas used the ceasefire not only to regroup and rest, but as “a critical window” for force buildup and integrating fresh fighters ahead of renewed fighting with Israel.

According to the report, 116 of the 121 recruits completed the course successfully, including 12 with distinction.

Hamas has been accused of working to similarly rebuild its forces during the current ceasefire, which began last October. An internal IDF intelligence document circulated to political leadership last month warned that Hamas was steadily rebuilding its capabilities in Gaza, according to a Channel 12 report.