US Warns of ‘Imminent’ Hamas Attack on Palestinians in Gaza, Threatening to Shatter Fragile Ceasefire
- The United States has received ‘credible reports’ of an imminent Hamas attack on Palestinians in Gaza, violating the ceasefire agreement.
- The US State Department has alerted guarantor nations, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, of the potential attack, which would undermine the ceasefire.
- Hamas has handed over the remains of 12 dead hostages, but the militant group is accused of slowing down the handover process, citing devastation in Gaza and Israeli military control.
A devastating warning has been issued by the United States, revealing ‘credible reports’ of an imminent Hamas attack on Palestinians in Gaza, which would shatter the fragile ceasefire agreement. The US State Department has alerted guarantor nations, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, of the potential attack, sparking fears of a renewed escalation of violence.
In a statement, the US State Department said: “This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts.” The department warned that “measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire” if Hamas proceeds with the attack.
The warning comes as Hamas has handed over the remains of 12 dead hostages, including 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, who was abducted from kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 attack. However, the militant group is accused of slowing down the handover process, citing devastation in Gaza and Israeli military control.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increased pressure on Hamas to share the remaining bodies more quickly, with the Rafah crossing remaining closed “until further notice”. The crossing has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side, and its reopening would make it easier for Gazans to seek medical treatment, travel, or visit family in Egypt.
The situation remains tense, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting that newly recovered bodies have brought the Palestinian toll above 68,000, and thousands of people still missing, according to the Red Cross. The ceasefire agreement has been fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms.
US President Donald Trump has previously warned that “if Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them”. The threat has sparked concerns of a potential US military intervention, although Trump later clarified that he would not send US troops into Gaza.
The situation remains volatile, with families of missing Palestinians anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. Iman Sakani, whose son went missing during the war, tearfully pleaded: “Just like they took their captives, we want our captives. Bring me my son, bring all our kids back”.