US Warns of Potential Hamas Attack on Gazan Civilians

The United States has issued a warning regarding a potential attack by Hamas on civilians in Gaza, citing “credible reports” of an imminent threat. This information was communicated to the guarantors of the Gaza peace deal by the U.S. State Department on Saturday. The announcement emphasizes that any planned assault against Palestinian civilians would violate the ceasefire agreement and jeopardize the progress achieved through diplomatic mediation.

The U.S. State Department stated, “This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement.” The department also called on Hamas to fulfill its obligations under the terms of the ceasefire. Should Hamas proceed with this attack, the United States affirmed that “measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.”

U.S. Commitment to Civilian Safety

The warning underscores the commitment of the United States and other guarantors to ensuring the safety of civilians in Gaza. “We remain resolute in our commitment to maintaining calm on the ground and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole,” the State Department added.

Joe Truzman, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of its Long War Journal, expressed skepticism regarding the existence of a planned attack by Hamas. Truzman suggested that the U.S. warning may be connected to Hamas’s internal actions against the Palestinian population since the ceasefire took effect.

He noted, “I suspect that this is the U.S. telling Hamas to put a leash on the Islamist group’s notorious Arrow Unit and Radaa Force, which have been executing and beating Palestinians for alleged crimes. If not, the IDF will begin bombing these Hamas affiliates as it did in the war.”

Israeli Concerns Over Palestinian Civilians

The Israeli Foreign Ministry on Sunday reiterated concerns similar to those expressed by the U.S. administration, indicating that Hamas is terrorizing Palestinian civilians while attempting to regain control in Gaza. In a post on the social media platform X, which included a distressing video of a public beating, the ministry described the scenes as “difficult viewing.”

The ministry emphasized the necessity for the ceasefire to be fully upheld and stated that Hamas “must go,” advocating for the demilitarization of Gaza. The ongoing situation highlights the fragile nature of peace in the region and the complexities surrounding the actions of Hamas and the safety of civilians in Gaza.

As tensions persist, the international community remains vigilant regarding developments in the region, with the U.S. and its allies calling for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire terms to prevent further escalation.