US Warns of Imminent Hamas Attack on Gaza Civilians That Would Violate Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas has recently strengthened control over Gaza's devastated urban areas.

United States:

On Saturday, the US State Department announced they have received "credible reports" indicating that Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, is planning an imminent attack against Gaza civilians. Washington warned that such action would constitute a "ceasefire violation."

The State Department released a statement declaring, "This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts."

The statement further noted, "Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire."

The specific nature of these protective measures was not detailed, though President Donald Trump had earlier this week issued warnings to Hamas regarding civilian casualties.

"If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," Trump stated in a post on his Truth Social platform, though he did not clarify who specifically he meant by "we."

Last week, Hamas and Israel agreed to a phased peace agreement that halted Israel's military operations in Gaza in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages held by the Palestinian group following its October 7, 2023, attack.

The initial phase of this agreement, which involves freeing living hostages and returning the remains of deceased ones, is currently in a challenging implementation process.

Washington confirmed it had notified the peace deal guarantors—including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—about the "imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas."

Earlier this week, Hamas consolidated its control over Gaza's devastated cities, initiating a crackdown and executing alleged collaborators.

Hamas released a video on its official channel showing the street execution of eight blindfolded, kneeling individuals, identifying them as "collaborators and outlaws." The footage apparently documents events from Monday evening.