An Israeli tank manoeuvres on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel, February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israel Prepares for Possible Resumption of Conflict in Gaza
Military Mobilization and Ceasefire Deadline
Israel has begun calling up military reservists in preparation for a potential renewal of hostilities in Gaza if Hamas does not comply with a Saturday deadline to release additional Israeli hostages. The fragile ceasefire, which has lasted nearly a month, is at risk of collapse.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the truce was designed to facilitate the release of hostages and warned that if Hamas ceases releases, “there is no ceasefire, and there is war.”
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is ready to resume “intense fighting” if Hamas does not comply with the deadline, without specifying how many hostages must be released.
- The Israeli military has announced the deployment of additional forces to southern Israel, including mobilizing reservists.
Trump’s Gaza Proposal and Regional Backlash
The situation is further complicated by widespread condemnation of President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control of Gaza, resettle its Palestinian inhabitants, and develop the region into a resort destination.
- Trump demanded the release of all hostages by Saturday noon, warning that failure to comply would result in severe consequences.
- Jordan’s King Abdullah was asked by Trump to ensure Hamas understands the gravity of the situation if the hostages are not freed.
- Hamas spokesperson Hazaem Qassem dismissed U.S. and Israeli threats, stating that negotiations with mediators were ongoing to uphold the ceasefire agreement.
Arab Nations Oppose Trump’s Gaza Plan
Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian population has triggered outrage in the Arab world, with leaders expressing firm opposition.
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reportedly refused to travel to Washington if discussions on the agenda included Trump’s Gaza resettlement plan.
- Palestinians fear forced displacement, drawing parallels to the “Nakba” of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled following the creation of Israel. Trump has explicitly stated that they would have no right to return under his plan.
Hostage Releases and Ceasefire Negotiations
While some hostages have been released, negotiations for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and further hostage exchanges remain ongoing.
- Hamas has so far freed 16 Israeli hostages from an agreed initial group of 33 in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
- Five Thai hostages have also been released.
- Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, stated that the fate of hostages is tied to Israel’s actions, emphasizing the necessity of a hostage-prisoner exchange deal to ensure stability.
Humanitarian Concerns and Regional Impact
The war has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its population, causing severe shortages of food and water, and bringing the Middle East to the brink of a wider regional conflict.
- Palestinians in Gaza have expressed concerns that the ceasefire might collapse, urging both Hamas and Israeli leaders to extend it.
- Gaza health officials report that more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military offensive in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that left at least 1,200 Israelis dead and saw over 250 taken hostage.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire holds or whether the conflict resumes with greater intensity.
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