Israel has threatened to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to comply with the recently signed ceasefire agreement. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued the warning on Wednesday, following Hamas’s return of two deceased hostages’ remains. Hamas, having handed over 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, stated it cannot retrieve more bodies without specialized equipment.
Katz declared that non-compliance would prompt Israel, with U.S. support, to pursue Hamas’s “total defeat” and alter Gaza’s reality. Hamas’s Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades noted they fulfilled their commitment by releasing all living captives and accessible remains, citing challenges in recovering others.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Qatar, Türkiye, and Egypt, involves phased hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and Israeli troop withdrawal. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued attacks, killing Palestinians. In Washington, former President Trump warned of swift retaliation if Hamas breaches terms, emphasizing Israel’s capacity to crush the group. Mediators are working to advance the ceasefire’s next phase to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.
