What's happened
Israel has resumed military operations in Gaza amid ongoing tensions, citing continued Hamas attacks and tunnel activity. The IDF emphasizes Hamas's refusal to disarm despite a US-brokered ceasefire and peace plan, with plans for potential offensive actions. The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts continue.
What's behind the headline?
The current escalation underscores the deep-rooted challenge of disarmament in Gaza. Israel's renewed military planning reflects a belief that Hamas's refusal to disarm will lead to further conflict. The IDF's focus on tunnel destruction and military readiness indicates a preference for force if diplomacy fails. Meanwhile, Hamas's stance, articulated by Khaled Mashaal and others, frames resistance as a legitimate right under occupation, rejecting disarmament as a form of victimization. The international community remains divided, with some advocating for reconstruction and political solutions, while others emphasize security and disarmament as prerequisites for peace. The upcoming visit by President Trump and the deployment of international troops could influence the trajectory, but the core issue of Hamas's weapons remains unresolved. The risk of escalation persists, especially if military actions intensify or diplomatic efforts falter. The situation will likely remain volatile until a clear disarmament process is agreed upon, which appears unlikely in the near term.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that Israel is actively testing troops and conducting operations in Gaza, emphasizing ongoing attacks and tunnel activity despite the ceasefire. The Times of Israel highlights Israel's plans for renewed military action if Hamas refuses to disarm, with the IDF drawing up offensive strategies and emphasizing Hamas's refusal to relinquish weapons. The New York Times provides context on the broader diplomatic deadlock, noting that Hamas and Israel remain at an impasse over disarmament, with international efforts including the US-led Board of Peace and Gaza governance initiatives. Contrasting perspectives include Hamas's official stance, as expressed by Khaled Mashaal and Al Jazeera, which frames resistance as a legitimate right and rejects disarmament, viewing it as a continuation of occupation. Netanyahu's recent disclosures aim to portray himself as more militant, while critics argue he has historically avoided full-scale invasion, emphasizing caution. The divergence in narratives reflects the complex interplay of security, diplomacy, and resistance in the ongoing conflict.
How we got here
The October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, prompted a military response and ceasefire negotiations. The US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025 included terms for Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarization, but Hamas and Israel remain at an impasse over weapons surrender. Israel continues military operations citing security threats, while diplomatic efforts focus on disarmament and stabilization.
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Current Conflict in Gaza: What’s Happening Now?
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has