Hamas's short term strategy is to keep escalating its attacks on Israel, in the belief that Israel will not be able to stand the pressure and will eventually agree to a ceasefire that limits its ability to operate in Gaza, according to Channel 2's veteran Arab affairs expert, Ehud Yaari.

Yaari said Thursday that Hamas is asking the people of Gaza to pray for its fighters, and that many Gazans will be spending the entire night praying for success against Israel.