Hamas is regrouping its military forces for a possible return to fighting with Israel in Gaza as mediators work to “salvage” the cease-fire that ends this weekend, the Wall Street Journal reported in a report.

The armed wing of the Palestinian organization has appointed new commanders and has begun mapping out where its men would be deployed in the event of a return to war, according to Arab officials talking to Hamas. At the same time, it has also begun repairing its network of underground tunnels and has distributed pamphlets to new, inexperienced fighters on how to use weapons in guerrilla warfare against Israel, these officials added.

The specific preparations are being made, according to the same sources, as Israel and the US press Hamas to extend the current ceasefire in Gaza and release more hostages before the start of what is expected to be a difficult negotiation to end the war for good.

Stalemate on new deal makes resumption of fighting likely

The two sides (Israel and Hamas) remain far from the basic terms of a complete cessation of hostilities. Israel wants Hamas to disarm and relinquish any role in governing Gaza, but the group has so far refused to give up its weapons or influence in the Strip.

The US, a key mediator in the ceasefire talks, has said it is committed to bringing all sides involved to the second stage of the ceasefire, which will include negotiations to end the war, but needs more time beyond the current deadline, which expires on Saturday.

Hamas has said it is open to an extension of the first stage of the truce with Israel. However, with both sides currently deadlocked over the next step in its implementation, it is reportedly planning a new round of fighting.

Sweats, ammunition recoveries, and movement tracking

Hamas’ military chief in northern Gaza met earlier this month with Hamas officials to plan how a new Israeli offensive could unfold, warning that Israel would first move to retake a strategic corridor dividing the Strip, Arab officials said.

Hamas men have retrieved unexploded ordnance in improvised explosive devices and are scanning destroyed shelters for listening devices left behind by the Israeli army to monitor their movements, the Arab officials added. The group has even assigned members to monitor Gaza for spies and has assigned another unit to monitor possible infiltration by Israeli forces, the officials said.

For its part, Israel’s military is aware that Hamas is regrouping and acknowledges that it has recruited thousands of new fighters during the war. But Israeli officials stress that the Hamas army, despite recent public displays of violence in handing over hostages, has been significantly weakened.

Internal strife in Hamas over its position in Gaza

Hamas’ position as an organization that “is beaten but not defeated” has sparked debate among its leaders about its overall direction, Arab officials told the Wall Street Journal.

Officials of the organization have reportedly agreed that they will have to give up open governance of Gaza if the enclave is to be rebuilt with money from foreign donors. But hardliners inside also want it to remain an armed force that can exert influence behind the scenes and possibly return to the fight against Israel.

Indeed, the debate has become so intense that the Doha-based Hamas leadership has considered “breaking up” with the organization’s Gaza-based cadres who were behind the decision to launch the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that sparked the war, Arab intelligence officials and a Hamas official said.