The situation in Gaza remains fragile following the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has clearly warned that if Hamas does not meet its conditions related to the custody of its hostages—specifically, the dismantling of armed structures and the return of the bodies of all dead hostages—the Israeli army may re-engage. This statement comes as Hamas handed over the bodies of two more dead hostages in its custody on the sixth day of the ceasefire, saying they were the last bodies remaining in its custody.
Katz has directed senior military officers and the Chief of Staff to prepare a comprehensive military plan to execute if the order to resume operations in Gaza is received. He also stated that if Hamas refuses to comply with the Trump-proposed conditions, Israel, in coordination with the United States, will take necessary action to eliminate Hamas’s military capabilities and “disarm” Gaza. According to him, the goal is to destroy tunnels and terrorist infrastructure and root out any future threat.
US President Donald Trump also addressed the issue. When asked if Hamas might be harming innocent civilians, Trump said he was investigating the incidents and raised the possibility that violent gangs or groups within Hamas might be active. He said Israel would take necessary action if asked to do so—and indicated that the US and Israel would address the situation together.
Negotiators are currently monitoring the implementation of sensitive conditions such as the return of bodies and denuclearization. The ongoing stalemate between the two sides and the monitoring of the conditions demonstrates that while the ceasefire may appear to be holding temporarily, the situation could escalate at any moment.
Analysts believe the challenge remains striking a balance between the demands of the families of the victims, local security claims, and international pressure. Failure to comply with the conditions or any violations could lead to a renewed military response in the region—and potentially worsen the humanitarian crisis.