What's happened
A senior Israeli official has threatened to renew military action in Gaza if Hamas does not disarm within 60 days. Hamas denies knowledge of the deadline, and tensions escalate amid ongoing ceasefire violations and regional security concerns.
What's behind the headline?
The recent threats highlight the fragile state of Gaza's ceasefire and the high stakes for regional stability.
- The Israeli government’s insistence on disarmament, including the removal of all weapons, signals a hardline stance that risks reigniting conflict.
- The US appears to be balancing diplomatic efforts with regional security concerns, contemplating allowing some weapons to remain with Hamas.
- Hamas’s denial of knowledge about the deadline and its vow not to surrender weapons underscores the deep mistrust and entrenched positions.
- The potential deployment of international peacekeepers, including countries like Morocco, Greece, and Indonesia, indicates a move towards stabilizing Gaza but faces logistical and political hurdles.
- The ongoing tunnel operations and targeted killings by Israel suggest a continued military focus, which could escalate if diplomatic efforts falter.
Forecasting the next steps, the situation will likely remain tense, with the possibility of renewed conflict if disarmament talks collapse or if Israel perceives threats to its security. The regional and international community’s role will be crucial in preventing a broader escalation.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Israeli officials threaten to resume war if Hamas does not disarm within 60 days, citing statements from Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs and Israeli media. Al Jazeera emphasizes Hamas’s denial of the deadline and criticizes Israeli threats as baseless, highlighting the ongoing mistrust. The Times of Israel details Israel’s military operations and the political context, including Netanyahu’s insistence on disarmament and the US’s involvement in the peacekeeping plans. These contrasting perspectives reveal a complex picture of diplomatic tension, military readiness, and regional instability, with each source emphasizing different aspects of the escalating crisis.
How we got here
Since October 2023, Israel has conducted frequent attacks on Gaza, despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Hamas and other factions refuse to disarm while Israel maintains restrictions and continues military operations. The US and Israel seek a phased disarmament and peacekeeping deployment, amid regional tensions.
Go deeper
- What are the chances of Hamas accepting disarmament?
- How might regional countries influence the peace process?
- Could international peacekeepers prevent escalation?
More on these topics
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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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.