Israeli officials warn major Gaza operation may be inevitable

Israel’s security establishment has warned of escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, saying the situation is pushing toward expanded military operations. Security sources said Hamas is seeking to reassert control over the population and provoke a response from Israel that could collapse the current agreement.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, a security official said today that “a large-scale operation in Gaza is unavoidable,” citing Israeli assessments of Hamas’s activities on the ground, including setting up checkpoints and organizing mass funerals. These moves are seen as signs that Hamas is trying to regain influence in the territory.

Israeli sources accused Hamas of attempting to draw Israel into ending the agreement through a series of “minor violations” that could undermine existing arrangements.

The report noted that, over the past six weeks, Israeli forces have targeted more than 60 Hamas leaders, including a financial official in Gaza who was killed last week, according to Israeli sources.

These warnings come as the ceasefire faces both field and political challenges. Israeli strikes have continued in recent days, with Israel and Hamas trading accusations of breaches, while disagreements persist over the implementation of the deal—particularly regarding Hamas’s disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

According to Reuters, the “Peace Council” formed by the American President Donald Trump announced a $2.45 billion plan last week to begin rebuilding Gaza. However, the plan’s implementation remains contingent on resolving disputes between Israel and Hamas over disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.