Media: Israel to resume military actions if Hamas refuses to release hostages

Israel is prepared to resume military operations in the Gaza Strip as a last resort if the radical Palestinian movement Hamas refuses to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and release all hostages.

According to Report, which cites Kan, Israel reportedly plans to gradually increase pressure on Hamas, including halting humanitarian aid access to Gaza. Additionally, Israel may once again call for the evacuation of Gaza’s northern residents to the south and, if necessary, completely cut electricity supplies to the Palestinian enclave.

The ultimate planned measure is a return to combat operations with the use of heavier weaponry supplied by the United States, Kan noted.

In mid-January, Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on January 19. The first phase of the agreement ended on March 1, during which 33 hostages were returned to Israel in exchange for the release of over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom were deported from Palestinian territories.

On March 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and the closure of all border crossings.