Israel Warns Military Action If Hamas Fails To Fulfil Truce

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that military actions would resume if Hamas does not fully comply with the agreement, aiming for the complete neutralization of the group and a restructuring of the territory. This declaration stems from ongoing disputes over the retrieval of deceased hostages' remains, underscoring implementation challenges in the truce brokered by US President Donald Trump. Since Monday, Hamas has released 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, but the process for bodies has stalled, with only nine returned out of 28 known cases, including discrepancies identified by Israeli authorities.

Hamas's armed wing announced that the latest two bodies handed over would conclude immediate transfers, citing the requirement for specialized equipment to excavate remains from Gaza's extensive rubble caused by over a year of conflict. The group affirmed fulfillment of obligations for living captives and accessible corpses, yet emphasized logistical barriers in a devastated landscape. In retaliation, Katz's office coordinated with US counterparts to signal potential operations targeting all war objectives, heightening pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid domestic calls, including from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, to condition humanitarian aid on full repatriation of soldiers' remains.

Reciprocal measures proceeded as Israel transferred 45 additional Palestinian bodies to Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, totaling 90 under the deal's exchange ratio of 15 Palestinian deceased per Israeli hostage corpse. However, incidents of violence raised concerns, with Gaza's civil defense reporting three Palestinian deaths from Israeli fire in Shujaiya, described by the military as responses to ceasefire violations involving line crossings. These events illustrate the truce's vulnerability, originating from the October 7, 2023, attacks and subsequent war that has displaced most of Gaza's population and destroyed vast infrastructure.

Also Read: Israel Outraged as Hamas Returns Wrong Body; Ceasefire on Verge of Collapse

Humanitarian crises intensify the stakes, as UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher urged immediate opening of all Gaza crossings during his Cairo engagements ahead of a Rafah visit. Essential aid for food, medical supplies, and shelter remains blocked, despite Trump's plan incorporating relief provisions and countering the UN-declared famine, which Israel disputes. The enclosed territory faces severe shortages, with winter exacerbating health and environmental risks like water contamination and disease proliferation.

The broader impasse, including Hamas's refusal of disarmament, questions long-term stability and governance in Gaza, potentially leading to renewed intense combat with significant casualties and reconstruction burdens exceeding $50 billion. International observers note implications for regional diplomacy, with possible sanctions and stalled resolutions if violations persist. Families on both sides endure uncertainty, while global efforts focus on averting collapse through enhanced recovery support and unrestricted access, highlighting the delicate equilibrium in this protracted conflict.

Also Read: Ceasefire Brings Relief for Some Gaza Medics but Hospital Chief Remains Imprisoned