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Hamas, the First Palestinian Army
(Al-Monitor) Shlomi Eldar - After Israel's disengagement from Gaza in August 2005, Hamas underwent a strategic change: From small terror cells, it developed into a real army. Hamas uniform wearers underwent weapons training and developed excellent military skills, together with religious indoctrination to strengthen their faith and adherence to the jihadist cause. Thus, in effect, Hamas created the first Palestinian army. Special units were trained to infiltrate Israeli territory through underground tunnels and attack army bases or civilian population centers. Each unit numbers between 10 and 15 fighters who know that their chances of surviving are very small. In effect, these are suicide missions. Hundreds of Hamas soldiers were trained according to this combat doctrine during recent years as part of the preparations for the next round. A Hamas unit that infiltrated Israeli territory on July 21 near Kibbutz Nir Am fired an anti-tank missile at a jeep that killed Lt. Col. Dolev Keidar and three other soldiers. The assault was documented by cameras: 10 armed terrorists wearing uniforms similar to IDF uniforms, including helmets and camouflage gear, were seen before they attacked the IDF jeep that approached them. Any cease-fire that will be declared between Israel and Hamas will be viewed as a victory by the Palestinians. Hamas will view it as a respite for reorganization, reconstruction and enlarging its recruited army for the next round of hostilities.