Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with top security officials on Monday to discuss possible responses to what Israel described as repeated ceasefire violations by Hamas. The meeting followed tensions over the handover of hostage remains that Israel says were already recovered two years ago, which the government viewed as a breach of good faith under the fragile truce agreement.
The incident has added new strain to an already unstable ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of failing to meet its commitments under the deal, while reports from Gaza claim that Israel has also conducted several attacks since the truce took effect earlier this month. Palestinian media outlets have alleged dozens of Israeli violations, including airstrikes and shootings that left several people dead, particularly in areas near Khan Younis.
The handover of hostage remains has deepened mistrust between the two sides. Israel maintains that Hamas is attempting to manipulate the process for political advantage, while Hamas insists it is acting within the framework of the agreement. Several hostages, both living and deceased, are still believed to be in Gaza, and the issue continues to be one of the most sensitive points in negotiations.
According to reports from Israeli media, the government is considering several measures should Hamas fail to comply fully with the terms of the truce. These include potential military actions and the establishment of new security corridors inside Gaza to curb Hamas’s operational control.
Hamas leaders, meanwhile, have said they cannot commit to full disarmament under the current conditions, citing ongoing security concerns and pressure from within Gaza. The group’s reluctance to relinquish control of its forces has raised doubts about the long-term stability of any peace agreement.
International observers warn that the situation could escalate rapidly if the ceasefire collapses. Both sides accuse each other of violating the terms, and efforts by mediators to maintain calm are becoming increasingly difficult.
For civilians in Gaza, the atmosphere remains tense. Many residents have described the ceasefire as fragile and unpredictable, with occasional explosions and military activity continuing despite official promises of peace. Aid agencies have urged restraint, warning that any return to large-scale conflict would have devastating humanitarian consequences.
As Netanyahu weighs Israel’s next steps, the region faces renewed uncertainty. The path toward lasting calm remains elusive, with each side demanding accountability and neither showing signs of compromise.