Despite earlier reports that Hamas leaders had left Gaza, it appears the terror group has no intention of relinquishing control of the territory. While U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Hamas promised to disarm under the ceasefire brokered in October, The Times of Israel reports that the Israel Defense Forces are preparing plans for a new offensive in Gaza should Hamas renege on the agreement.
Should hostilities renew, fighting is liable to be more intense and more widespread than previous rounds, as Israeli forces will no longer constrained by the presence of hostages on Gazan soil.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have both insisted that the terror group must give up its weapons in the near future. Trump has repeatedly asserted that Hamas “promised” to lay down its arms, and has threatened the group over the issue.
However, at least publicly, Hamas has never agreed to lay down its arms.
Israel also believes that left unchecked, the terror group will remain in power in the Strip and try to rebuild its militarily strength while tightening its grip on areas under its control. The military this month said that since the start of the ceasefire, Hamas “has violated the agreement and focused its efforts on restoring its military capabilities.’
According to an Israeli official, disarming the terror group in Gaza would not be a short-term operation and could take years. With no hostages remaining, the IDF would be able to operate in areas that were previously inaccessible due to concerns for hostage safety. Evacuation orders have also left many formerly populated areas empty.
The ceasefire period since October has been turbulent, marked by daily incursions of terror operatives crossing the IDF’s Yellow Line and threatening troops, even as public discussion of disarmament continues. A new offensive could signal the beginning of another prolonged conflict in Gaza. The Fellowship and our supporters stand by the IDF and the people of Israel—preparing for the worst while praying for the best.
