Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel is ready to resume military operations against Hamas following accusations from the Palestinian group that Israel is jeopardizing a five-week-old truce by halting the release of prisoners. The truce, which has effectively paused over 15 months of intense conflict in the Gaza Strip, is approaching its expiration date in early March, and discussions regarding the next phase have not reached a consensus.
On the same day, Israel announced a ramp-up of military action against militants in the occupied West Bank, where violence has escalated since the onset of the Gaza war. Netanyahu, who spoke at a military ceremony, emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the objectives of the conflict, whether through negotiations or other means, asserting, “We are prepared to resume intense fighting at any moment.”
Since the ceasefire commenced on January 19, Hamas has released a total of 25 living Israeli hostages during ceremonious events often accompanied by masked figures, with the latest release of six hostages occurring on Saturday. In response, Israel postponed the scheduled release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, which Netanyahu labeled as “humiliating ceremonies” taking place in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has facilitated these exchanges, has urged all parties involved to conduct them in a “dignified and private” manner.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, warned that the delay in releasing prisoners endangers the entire truce agreement. He called on the mediators, particularly the Americans, to pressure Israel to honor the terms of the agreement and facilitate the immediate release of Palestinian prisoners.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of infractions during the truce, though the ceasefire has largely held thus far. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas following the group’s deadly assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals. Israeli retaliatory strikes in Gaza have reportedly caused the deaths of more than 48,000 people, according to both sides’ reports.
Netanyahu stated, “We have eliminated most of Hamas’s organized forces, but let there be no doubt — we will complete the war’s objectives entirely — whether through negotiation or by other means.” A military statement from Israel suggested an increase in operational readiness around the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced he would travel to the Middle East to negotiate an extension of the current truce phase, expressing hope that more time could be secured to continue negotiations and facilitate further hostage releases.
In parallel to the turmoil in Gaza, Israel has heightened military operations in the West Bank, with reports indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced from northern refugee camps due to an Israeli offensive launched last month. For the first time in two decades, Israel plans to deploy a tank division to Jenin, with Defence Minister Israel Katz advising troops to prepare for an extended presence in the cleared camps and to prevent residents from returning, viewing this as essential for combating terrorism.
Experts note that the timing of increasing military presence in the West Bank is particularly sensitive given the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Speculation arises that Netanyahu faces pressure both domestically regarding his handling of the conflict and from a far-right coalition government that risks collapse if he does not resume military action.
Families of Palestinian prisoners awaited news of their loved ones’ status with growing anxiety as the release of the six hostages marked the end of the last planned group of living hostages to be freed under this phase of the truce. The initial transfer of deceased hostages under the agreement earlier in the week prompted outrage in Israel, particularly when the remains of captive Shiri Bibas were initially withheld, leading to Hamas admitting a potential mix-up and ultimately transferring her remains.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk criticized the “parading of bodies” during events where coffins showcasing the deceased and their photos were presented on a stage promoting various slogans, highlighting the ongoing distress and contentious nature of the situation.
