The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is facing critical hours, marked by escalating tensions, alleged violations, and high-stakes diplomatic interventions. Reports of an imminent Hamas attack on Gazan civilians, coupled with retaliatory IDF strikes and an upcoming visit from US Vice President JD Vance, underscore the precarious state of peace in the region.
US Warns of Imminent Hamas Attack on Gazan Civilians
The United States State Department issued a grave warning on Saturday, citing "credible reports" indicating "an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza". This planned attack, targeting Palestinian civilians, would constitute a "direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement," the department stated. It further warned that "should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire".
This warning comes amidst reports from Gazan media of an Israeli Navy vessel firing shots at Khan Yunis beach. Hamas has also been under pressure to return additional hostage remains, a condition of the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which they have reportedly delayed. The group has also sought to reassert its influence in Gaza, allegedly killing at least 32 people in a wave of attacks targeting anti-Hamas clans since the ceasefire took hold. US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that if Hamas continues such actions, there would be "no choice but to go in and kill them," and that he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the deal.
IDF Strikes in Rafah Following Ceasefire Violation
Further exacerbating the volatile situation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted strikes in Rafah, Southern Gaza, on Sunday, in response to a reported ceasefire violation by Hamas. The Palestinian militant group allegedly fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli military engineering vehicles operating in the area. In retaliation, the Israeli Air Force targeted Hamas positions in Rafah.
This incident prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene a situational assessment with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. The IDF had previously confirmed targeting Hamas on Friday, striking terrorists exiting a tunnel shaft and opening fire towards troops in Rafah, marking the first such action since the ceasefire. Hamas, however, rejected the US warning, claiming it was "fully aligned with Israel’s misleading propaganda". National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the full resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip, advocating for the complete destruction of Hamas.
US Vice President JD Vance to Visit Israel Amidst Crisis
In a significant diplomatic move, US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to make his first official visit to Israel next week since taking office. Vance is expected to arrive on Monday, coinciding with a visit by White House envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The primary objective of their visit is reportedly to discuss the next steps in the Gaza truce deal, highlighting the international community's concern and efforts to stabilize the region.
Vance's trip underscores the critical juncture in the Gaza ceasefire, as both internal and external pressures threaten to unravel the fragile peace. The US administration's direct involvement, through both warnings and high-level diplomatic engagement, signals a concerted effort to prevent further escalation and ensure the integrity of the ceasefire agreement.