In a bid to hold up Israel's advance and force a ceasefire, Hamas has reportedly prepared for a protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip, according to sources close to the organization's leadership. The militant group, which governs Gaza, has stockpiled weapons, missiles, as well as food and medical supplies, and believes its thousands of fighters can sustain months of fighting with the help of an intricate tunnel system hidden beneath the Palestinian enclave.

Hamas is confident in its ability to frustrate Israeli forces through the use of urban guerrilla tactics and believes that escalating civilian casualties will eventually result in international pressure on Israel to end the siege. The group aims to secure a negotiated settlement that would include tangible concessions such as the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages.

Numerous hostage negotiations facilitated by Qatar have reportedly indicated Hamas's desire to secure a prisoner release in exchange for hostages. Additionally, Hamas seeks to end Israel's 17-year blockade of Gaza, put a halt to Israeli settlement expansion, and address perceived heavy-handed actions by Israeli security forces at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

As the death toll in Gaza surpasses 9,000, with soaring civilian casualties and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, international experts have called for a humanitarian ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute in his vow to eliminate Hamas and has rejected calls for a ceasefire, claiming that the country is prepared for a "long and painful war."

The United States has emphasized the need for temporary pauses in hostilities to deliver humanitarian aid but has stated that now is not the time for a general ceasefire. The White House expects Hamas to engage in street-by-street combat in Gaza, hoping to inflict heavy casualties on Israeli forces and erode public support for an extended conflict. Israeli officials, on the other hand, stress their readiness to confront Hamas's guerrilla tactics and withstand international criticism of their offensive.

Hamas, with an estimated 40,000 fighters, is capable of maneuvering around the enclave using an extensive network of fortified tunnels, some stretching hundreds of kilometers. In recent conflicts, the group has showcased improved missile capabilities, expanding their range from 40 km to 230 km.

As the current conflict unfolds, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese movement allied with Hamas, maintains that the Palestinian militant group's fighting strength remains intact despite weeks of bombardment. Hezbollah and Hamas officials have confirmed the existence of a joint military operation room in Lebanon, supported by their regional network in collaboration with Iran.

Hamas's assault on Israel on October 7 has rekindled discussions about Palestinian statehood and has shifted the focus back to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group's attack has effectively challenged the feasibility of regional stability without addressing the Palestinian question. International efforts, including the Arab peace initiative offering diplomatic ties in exchange for a sovereign Palestinian state, have been overshadowed by Israel's pursuit of an alliance with Arab Sunni nations, seeking a united front against Iran.

The unfolding Gaza war presents a complex and challenging scenario, with no clear endgame in sight for either side. While Israel remains determined to eliminate Hamas, the group's preparedness and resilience raise questions about the possibility of achieving a complete eradication versus severe degradation of the organization.

As the conflict enters a critical phase, the region braces itself for the uncertain outcomes of a prolonged and intense battle.