The U.S. Department of State alleges Hamas is preparing a civilian attack in Gaza, threatens retaliation, while Hamas rebuts the intelligence and Trump warns of forceful response.
U.S. Warns of Planned Hamas Attack
The U.S. Department of State says it has credible information that Hamas is planning an attack on the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. This alleged attack would violate the ceasefire conditions that Israel and Hamas have agreed upon.
Washington’s Stated Consequences
Washington stated that if Hamas carries out the attack, measures would be taken to protect Gaza residents and preserve the ceasefire. The department did not detail what those measures would entail.
Hamas Denies Intelligence
On Sunday Hamas denied the U.S. intelligence reports, stating that it had no plans to target civilians.
Trump Issues Threat Over Civilian Killings
Former President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social that if Hamas continues to kill civilians in Gaza—outside of the ceasefire agreement—there would be no choice but to intervene and kill the perpetrators.
Ceasefire Agreement and Recent Airstrikes
Last week Hamas and Israel reached a peace deal in which Israel would end its offensive in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack. Meanwhile, Israeli reports surfaced of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
