The United States government has issued a warning regarding an imminent attack by Hamas on civilians in Gaza. This potential assault is characterized as a “direct and grave” breach of the ceasefire agreement currently in place. The US claims to have received credible reports about this planned attack, which it asserts would undermine recent diplomatic efforts.
US Warning on Hamas’s Imminent Attack
The US State Department has emphasized that any attack against Palestinians would significantly derail the progress made through ongoing mediation. While details on how this action specifically violates the US-brokered ceasefire remain scant, the seriousness of the implications has been clearly stated.
Hamas’s Response
In response, Hamas has categorically rejected the US claims, labeling them as false. Nonetheless, the organization has been re-establishing its control in Gaza amid a power vacuum following Israel’s partial withdrawal. Recent reports indicate that Hamas has engaged in gunfights with local clans.
Ceasefire Implementation
- All hostages have been released.
- Deceased bodies are being returned to Israel.
- Israel has released 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza.
Washington has communicated with other partners involved in the Gaza peace agreement, which includes Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. They reiterated the need for Hamas to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire. A warning has been issued that measures will be enacted to protect Gazans if Hamas follows through with its imminent attack.
Statements from Political Leaders
Former President Donald Trump has made his stance clear on this issue. He warned Hamas against civilian casualties, threatening severe consequences for any action that contradicts the ceasefire. He clarified, however, that no US troops would be deployed in Gaza.
Recent Violence in Gaza
Last week, BBC Verify published evidence of a public execution carried out by Hamas operatives in a crowded area of Gaza. Graphic videos depicted the execution of several men whose arms were restrained. The identity of the armed individuals was unconfirmed, though some wore the green headbands synonymous with Hamas.
- One of the remains returned to Israel belongs to Ronen Engel.
- So far, 11 out of 28 deceased hostages have been identified.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would remain closed until Hamas returns the remaining bodies. This crossing is crucial for Palestinians needing medical treatment and for many others seeking to exit or enter Gaza.
Heavy Casualties Reported
In a separate conflict incident, 11 members of a Palestinian family were killed by what was described as an Israeli tank shell. This marked one of the deadliest events involving Israeli soldiers since the ceasefire began. The Israeli military claimed the attack was directed at a “suspicious vehicle,” raising questions about the incident’s context and circumstances.
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in southern Israel, the situation has escalated dramatically. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that Israeli operations in Gaza have claimed at least 68,000 lives since that date.
International Reactions
In September, a United Nations inquiry suggested that Israel might have committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has firmly rejected these findings, labeling the report as “distorted and false.”
