Hamas preparing for resumption of fighting in Gaza

The Palestinian Hamas movement is mobilizing its fighters for a possible resumption of hostilities with Israel in the Gaza Strip, as the ceasefire expires on March 1, Report informs referring to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The armed wing of Hamas has appointed new commanders and begun drawing up plans for the deployment of fighters in the event of renewed hostilities, the publication notes, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, the movement has begun restoring the network of underground tunnels damaged by Israel and training new fighters.

According to the WSJ, Hamas has stated its agreement that the movement will have to give up direct control of Gaza if the enclave is restored with foreign funds. But hard-liners within Hamas want to exert influence in the region.

The disagreements within the movement have become so acute that the Hamas leadership, based in Doha, is considering breaking off relations with members of the group in Gaza, WSJ sources note.