Israel’s highest political authorities have reportedly instructed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to ready themselves for an “immediate” resumption of hostilities in Gaza.
On March 7, KAN news cited officials indicating that negotiations aimed at extending the truce between Hamas and Israel were “not progressing.”
One official remarked, “Hamas is currently rejecting [US Middle East envoy Steve] Witkoff’s proposal, making it exceedingly difficult to achieve any advancement.”
This development follows previous media reports suggesting that Israel might be poised to recommence military operations in Gaza “in about a week and a half” should no agreement be reached.
Hamas’ stance on Witkoff’s proposal remains unclear. According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Witkoff’s plan entails a staggered release of hostages.
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, on the first day of the renewed deal, half of the living hostages and half of the deceased would be returned. The remaining hostages and bodies would be released on the 42nd day, which would mark the conclusion of the ceasefire.
However, reports indicate that Hamas has neither formally accepted nor rejected the proposal. A source familiar with the discussions noted, “Hamas has neither accepted nor rejected the Witkoff proposal.”
In related news, on March 6, the newly appointed IDF chief of staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, informed communities near the Gaza border that “we are preparing to return to fighting” in Gaza.
“We must defeat Hamas,” Zamir asserted. “We are also preparing to resume fighting. The hostages are our top priority.”
