This is the second round of escalation between the Islamic Jihad and Israeli occupation without Hamas. This could seem strange to some. However, responding to the occupation without involving Al-Qassam has major indications:

Varying and Distributing Fighting Efforts

Hamas’ policy is to involve all resistance factions in the jihad work against the occupation. Hamas offers logistic support to some factions, encourages others to respond, offers a political cover to them and protects them all in the field.

Distributing the fighting efforts or the jihad work here means the involvement of all resistance factions. Varying the work, however, means launching rockets, entering armed clashes or others. 

This policy was specially prominent in the previous round when Hamas helped some military wings, along with Al-Quds Brigades, and in the current round when it helped the National Resistance Brigades – the military wing of the Democratic Front- in an armed confrontation at Beit Hanoun Crossing in north Gaza. 

In similar circumstances, Al-Qassam Brigades does not simply stand and watch; this was particularly clear when Abu Hamza, Al-Quds Brigades Spokesperson, said that the leadership was in direct and continuous contact with the leadership of Al-Qassam.

Maintaining Rules of Engagement

Maintaining the confrontation with the occupation within the rules of engagement saves the resistance’ reputation. The fact that Al-Qassam is not participating in the escalation, and is instead watching very closely the events, brings to the minds of the Israeli security and political leadership so many questions about whether Al-Qassam is actually a participant or not, and what possible surprises their involvement could make.

This alone deters the occupation from surpassing the rules of engagement, so it remains within the lines drawn by the joint room of the Palestinian resistance leadership.

The Israeli Channel 12 criticized the policy of the Israeli government and reported, “Where did all the Israeli statements about Hamas’ leadership in Gaza and its responsibility for the actions of other organizations go? In fact, in the past decade and under Netanyahu’s rule, Hamas has been able to create such situation to stop ‘Israel’”. 

Understanding Netanyahu’s Intentions

Hamas realized Netanyahu’s intentions and that he wishes to drag it into confrontation in order to strike it hard. This would make him appear good before his electors as he would oppress the resistance in Gaza and then restore their deterring power hence receiving more seats in the elections. Therefore, the resistance did not participate and prevented Netanyahu from nailing what he wants.

Finally, saying that Hamas did not take part in this round or the earlier one is inaccurate. Yes, it did not participate militarily; nevertheless, it worked side by side with the factions operationally.