Hamas fears Israel could replicate ‘Lebanon model’ in Gaza: Report
Israel has carried out scores of targeted killings in Lebanon since the ceasefire agreement was reached
Hamas has been concerned about Israel replicating the “Lebanon scenario” in the Gaza Strip by continuing to assassinate its members despite the ceasefire agreement, according to sources cited by Asharq al-Awsat on 22 October.
Sources close to Hamas told the newspaper that the resistance movement believes Israel may be trying to “recreate the Lebanese experience” and “replicate the Lebanon scenario,” following the assassination of several top resistance leaders in Gaza over the weekend.
“The assassinations carried out last Sunday confirm Israel’s intention to continue this pattern. It may use the issue of disarmament as a pretext to conduct future strikes inside Gaza, just as it has done in Lebanon,” one of the sources said.
The sources expressed confidence in Arab mediators, but warned that Hamas still lacks trust in the US, which “has often allowed Israel to pursue its plans.”
“The scenario unfolding in Lebanon could well be repeated in Gaza. That is why the movement’s leadership insisted throughout negotiations on a complete ceasefire, with clear guarantees from all mediators, including the US – guarantees that Hamas ultimately secured during the Sharm el-Sheikh talks,” the sources went on to say.
One source warned Israeli strikes could have a “limited impact” on the truce, but stressed Hamas’s commitment to the agreement.
“The movement does not want to go backward but to move forward. However, Israel’s actions on the ground and its aggressive behavior are affecting the situation and could lead to a brief period of reciprocal clashes before mediators intervene again, as happened last time,” the source added.
“It is unreasonable for the world to dwell on what happened in Rafah, when the details remain unclear, while ignoring Israel’s daily violations that have killed dozens of civilians across the strip for no reason other than killing.”
Several top commanders in Hamas’s Qassam Brigades were assassinated in the latest bout of Israeli strikes on the strip on Sunday, which came around a week after the ceasefire was supposed to have taken effect.
Among them was Yahya al-Mabhouh, an elite commander who led battles against the Israeli army in north Gaza’s Jabalia. Qassam Brigades commander Taj al-Din Wahidi was also assassinated.
The strikes, which also killed dozens of civilians, came after reports that Hamas fighters in southern Gaza targeted Israeli forces with an explosive device. The Israeli army later confirmed that two soldiers were killed in the city of Rafah.
According to a source cited by DropSite News journalist Ryan Grim, “the incident was caused by an Israeli … bulldozer running over unexploded ordnance.” Grim also said Washington was aware of this.
The Qassam Brigades also released a statement saying it has no connection to the incident and has lost contact with its fighters in southern Gaza.
The massive attacks on Gaza reinforced concerns that Israel could be gearing up to collapse the ceasefire.
Both Tel Aviv and Washington have repeatedly threatened Hamas since the deal was reached, warning it to disarm immediately or be disarmed by force. Hamas has rejected surrendering its weapons.
The Asharq al-Awsat report on Wednesday came as Israel continued to attack Lebanon under the pretext of preventing Hezbollah from re-establishing itself.
On Wednesday morning, an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle in the southern Lebanese town of Ain Qana, assassinating one person. Hezbollah announced afterwards the death of one of its fighters, Issa Ahmad Karbala.
“The terrorist advanced the transfer of weapons in Lebanon and advanced terror attacks against the State of Israel,” the Israeli army said in a statement.