Israel has warned that its fragile ceasefire with Hamas could collapse unless the militant group meets strict terms: demilitarization and the return of all bodies of hostages it holds. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued the stark warning on Wednesday after Hamas handed over the remains of two more deceased hostages.
Since Monday, under a truce deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Hamas has released 20 surviving hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails. But the deal also calls for the return of 28 known deceased hostages—so far, only nine bodies have been repatriated, with one additional body identified as not belonging to a former captive.
Katz’s statement warned that if Hamas refuses to comply with the agreement, Israel—together with the United States—will resume fighting to achieve a total defeat of Hamas, change the reality in Gaza, and meet all war objectives.
In a high-level meeting, Katz tasked the military with drafting a comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas should the militant group fail to implement the plan and fighting resumes. His office made clear that Israel is prepared to pursue a renewed campaign in Gaza if the terms are not met.
Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said the two bodies handed over on Wednesday would be the last for now, citing the need for extensive efforts and special equipment to retrieve additional remains from the rubble of Gaza.
The standoff is putting pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at home, where far-right allies like National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have urged humanitarian aid be tied to the return of soldiers’ remains. Ben Gvir has warned that aid deliveries to Gaza could be cut off if Hamas does not comply.
As both sides hold firm, the region remains on edge. The coming days will test whether diplomatic pressure can hold the line or if the fragile ceasefire crumbles—igniting hostilities that could reshape the region’s future.
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Israel threatens to resume fighting if Hamas fails to honor truce deal
cgtn.com
