Israel is poised to resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip within ten days if Hamas does not agree to transition to the second phase of a ceasefire agreement, according to The Jerusalem Post. Ongoing negotiations over the release of hostages held in Gaza have reportedly stalled, raising the likelihood of renewed fighting.
Sources familiar with the situation told The Jerusalem Post that “nothing is currently moving on this front,” highlighting the deadlock in negotiations. If no progress is made, Israeli officials estimate that military action will restart in about a week and a half.
Reports from Kan television and radio company on March 3 indicate that Israel is prepared to increase pressure on Hamas. This may involve tightening restrictions on humanitarian aid to the enclave and issuing evacuation orders for residents to move from northern to southern Gaza. Additionally, Israel could enforce a complete shutdown of electricity supplies to the territory.
The ceasefire agreement, initially brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on January 19. During the first phase, which ended on March 1, 33 hostages were released and returned to Israel, while over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners were freed, with some deported from Palestinian territories. However, the extension of the ceasefire remains uncertain as Hamas has yet to agree to further conditions.
On March 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated tensions by suspending humanitarian aid to Gaza and closing all checkpoints. He justified this move by accusing Hamas of rejecting a proposal by U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Stephen Witkoff, aimed at extending the ceasefire. Netanyahu issued a stern warning, stating that Hamas would face “additional consequences” if it refused to negotiate.
The renewed threat of combat raises concerns about the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s civilian population. With growing international pressure for a diplomatic resolution, the coming days will be critical in determining whether hostilities will resume or if a new agreement can be reached to prolong the ceasefire.
