From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 2, 2026
IDF gave Netanyahu document outlining how Hamas is rebuilding in Gaza — report
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
The Israeli military recently delivered a document to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu detailing how the Hamas terror group is gaining strength in the Gaza Strip and rebuilding its capabilities since the ceasefire that took effect in October, Channel 13 news reports.
The network cites the three-page report as saying that “approximately three months after the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, it is evident that Hamas, despite the difficulties, continues to deepen its governance, looking ahead to the next phase of the agreement. An increase can be identified across all indicators of Hamas’s governance.”
The document appears to refer to the second phase of the ceasefire, which is currently underway and which aims to set up longer-term frameworks for governance and security in the Strip. Hamas is meant to disarm in phase two, though the terror group has rejected that demand and there is widespread skepticism in Israel that it will do so.
“Hamas is taking steps on the ground intended to preserve its influence and grip on the Gaza Strip from below. This is being done by integrating its operatives into government ministries and the security mechanisms,” Channel 13 cites the document as saying.
“Looking ahead: In the absence of Hamas’s disarmament, and under the auspices of the technocratic committee, Hamas will, in our assessment, succeed in maintaining influence and control in the Gaza Strip,” the document adds, according to Channel 13.
Last week, The Times of Israel reported that Israel’s defense establishment believes that Hamas will soon relinquish authority over the Gaza Strip to a newly formed committee of Palestinian technocrats. However, at least in the short term, the terror group would remain de facto in control of the territory.
According to an Israeli security official, Israel believes that even if Hamas officially announces that it has handed over control of Gaza to the technocratic government, it would still have tens of thousands of armed members in its military wing and internal security forces across the Strip, as well as civil servants in key roles.
The security official also said it was more likely that the IDF would have to act militarily against Hamas to disarm it, as it believes the terrorist organization will not do so of its own accord.
The Times of Israel Community.