The Israel Defense Forces remain on high alert in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing war with Iran, amid concerns that Hamas may be attempting to rebuild its capabilities. While there are no signs that Hamas is preparing to actively join the fighting alongside Iran, Israeli military officials assess that the group has been trying to rearm during the ceasefire that began in October 2025.

According to military officials, these rearmament efforts are very limited, as Hamas no longer has access to its main weapons smuggling routes and is significantly weaker than before the war. However, the group is still believed to be producing improvised explosive devices and possibly small numbers of rockets. It may also retain hundreds of rockets manufactured before the conflict that were not destroyed during Israel’s two year ground offensive.

Over the past month, Israeli forces say they have destroyed roughly eight kilometers of tunnels in Gaza and killed more than 60 operatives who crossed the ceasefire line or were planning attacks. Despite the broader regional conflict, the military says it continues to maintain ground and air forces in the south and is prepared to counter any emerging threats to communities near the Gaza border and deployed troops.