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Israel warns of renewed conflict as Gaza truce faces challenges
Israel has issued a stern warning to resume military action in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold the terms of a fragile US-brokered ceasefire. The ceasefire, which began earlier this week, facilitated the exchange of hostages and prisoners but now faces new obstacles.
Hostage exchanges and rising tensions
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, threatened renewed military operations, stating, “If Hamas refuses to comply with the agreement, Israel will act to achieve the total defeat of Hamas.” The warning came shortly after Hamas returned the remains of two more deceased Israeli hostages, bringing the total to nine out of 28 known casualties. Hamas claims it cannot recover additional bodies from Gaza’s rubble without specialized equipment.
The truce deal, negotiated by US President Donald Trump, resulted in Hamas releasing 20 surviving hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Despite this, tensions remain over Hamas’s inability to meet the agreement’s demands fully, with its armed wing stating that all accessible bodies have been handed over.
Humanitarian concerns and aid delays
Amid the conflict, humanitarian organizations have raised alarm over Gaza’s worsening crisis. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has urged Israel to reopen crossings immediately to allow critical aid into the territory. “We need crossings open now to ensure food, medical supplies, and shelter reach those in dire need,” Fletcher said during a meeting in Cairo.
Israel has faced criticism for delays in opening the Rafah crossing to Egypt, the primary lifeline for Gaza’s population. Meanwhile, Israel returned 45 Palestinian bodies to southern Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, adhering to a provision in the truce that exchanges 15 Palestinian remains for every deceased Israeli hostage.
Ongoing violence and ceasefire violations
Despite the ceasefire, violence persists. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that three Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, including two civilians in Gaza City. The Israeli military claimed the deaths occurred when individuals approached restricted areas, violating the ceasefire agreement.
The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, has caused severe humanitarian and political fallout. Gaza’s densely populated area remains reliant on restricted aid, compounded by ongoing military confrontations.
Political hurdles and future governance
The ceasefire has also reignited debates over Hamas’s role in Gaza. While the militant group tightens its grip on the territory, Israel and the US insist Hamas cannot participate in any future governance. Disarmament remains a key demand from Israel and its allies, but Hamas has refused to comply.
The truce, though tenuous, has provided a brief reprieve from the conflict. However, with unresolved issues and mounting pressures on both sides, its longevity remains uncertain.