Israeli activist says Hamas smuggling drones capable of carrying 85 kg into Gaza

An Israeli activist who warned of a Hamas attack before October 7 told an Israeli newspaper that the group is smuggling weapons and drones into Gaza, and is rebuilding its military capacity. Rafael Hayon, based in the city of Netivot, said he set up an intelligence unit at his home and continued monitoring the communications networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad after the Israeli army briefly confiscated his listening equipment. In an interview with 103FM radio, Hayon claimed that more than 20 drones, each capable of carrying an 85-kilogram payload, have been moved into Gaza from Israeli territory over the past month. He said the Israeli military is aware of the information and that arresting those who transport the drones would not resolve the issue. Hayon also alleged that Hamas is funding itself outside of Qatari channels, raising money through charitable associations, and that the group is recruiting new fighters at least three times a week. No further details were immediately available.