Tel aviv: Israel's security cabinet is set to convene on Sunday to deliberate the potential resumption of hostilities in Gaza, as reported by public broadcaster KAN, which cited unnamed sources. This meeting follows assessments by Israeli officials that Hamas has not adhered to disarmament terms, despite ongoing negotiations with mediators.
According to Anadolu Agency, political sources revealed that Hamas has already responded to a mediators' proposal, part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement implemented in October 2025, and is gearing up for discussions on a subsequent phase. Hamas has introduced amendments to certain provisions and demanded that Israel promptly and fully meet its ceasefire commitments within an agreed timeframe to conclude the conflict.
The sources noted that Hamas has shown preliminary openness to discuss disarmament, contingent on securing political rights for Palestinians within a broader security framework. Furthermore, Hamas has reiterated its demands for a complete ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, deployment of international forces, and transferring Gaza's administration to a technocratic committee.
Previously, Israel had set a 60-day deadline from late February for Hamas to surrender its weapons, while Hamas maintained that Israel must first honor its obligations under the initial phase of the agreement. The possibility of renewed fighting looms just days after military analyst Amos Harel warned in Haaretz about potential government plans for a new offensive in Gaza, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might aim to maintain tensions on other fronts, especially with general elections approaching in October.
Despite the truce, Israel has yet to fulfill key commitments under the first phase, such as opening crossings and permitting humanitarian aid entry, which has exacerbated conditions for around 1.9 million displaced individuals in Gaza. In mid-January, the US announced the commencement of a second phase of the agreement, encompassing transitional governance arrangements in Gaza, disarmament of armed groups, further Israeli troop withdrawals, and reconstruction efforts.