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Prof. Kobi Michael: The pause in fighting has given Hamas breathing room to regroup. Everything that is happening will continue happening as long as Hamas continues to effectively control the western part of the Gaza Strip.Generally speaking, Hamas now has full freedom of movement.
Leadership race is unlikely to alter Hamas’s already dangerous course. Both leaders are problematic. Each one, in his own way, is considered to be more militant and more radical in his Gazan orientation and his support for armed resistance.Even Mashaal, often described as more politically oriented, is still in favor of the continuation of armed resistance.
Published in Fox News, December 28, 2025.