Israel threatens to return to fighting in Gaza and prepares a plan to evacuate civilians

Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed fighting in the Gaza Strip, after several indications from officials and military personnel on the pretext of being unable to disarm the Hamas movement. Israeli press reports monitor leaks that fuel the possibility of a return to military operations under the pretext of the movement rebuilding its military power and field positions.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper stated that the Israeli army is close to calling up reserve forces to confront the possibility of renewed fighting, and quoted military officials as saying that Hamas is likely to continue its attempts to attack the forces despite the ceasefire. The sources claimed that the movement replaced commanders who were killed during the war, up to the brigade level.

Senior Israeli officers believe that intermittent military operations may become the norm in the coming years to undermine Hamas' capabilities. Assessments indicated that the movement will not voluntarily give up its weapons, while the Shin Bet warned political leaders in closed meetings against resuming the production of rockets and explosive devices inside the Strip.

The sources revealed a new plan by the army to evacuate civilians in preparation for a large-scale ground operation later this year, focusing on resettling them east of the 'Yellow Line'. Military officials believe that the current flow of aid may provide a diplomatic margin to confront accusations of famine in the event of a resumption of hostilities.

In this context, the head of the State Camp party, Benny Gantz, said that it is time to cross the 'Yellow Line' after months of discussion without progress in disarmament. Gantz added that Hamas cannot be granted immunity or accept its control over half of the Strip, stressing that Israel will be forced to dismantle the movement, especially in the absence of prisoners in Gaza currently.

On the other hand, media sources stated that the military leadership presented alternatives similar to the 'Lebanese model', which is based on launching periodic raids to thwart military reinforcement activities. The army believes it is necessary to give a chance for current moves to disarm peacefully, while being ready for a swift and decisive operation to restore full control over the Strip if those efforts fail.

It is worth noting that the current ceasefire agreement came after a two-year war since October 2023, which resulted in the martyrdom of about 72,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 171,000 others, in a bloody toll described as a war of genocide.

It is time to cross the Yellow Line; Hamas cannot be granted immunity and rebuild its rule and control over half of the Gaza Strip.