Israeli Officials Warn: There is No Escape from a Large-Scale Operation in Gaza

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The Israeli security establishment warned that the escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip could lead to an expansion of military operations, while security sources stated that Hamas is seeking to regain control over the population and provoke Israel into a response that ends with the collapse of the agreement.

A source in the security establishment said today, Tuesday, that "there is no escape from a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip," amid what Israeli assessments describe as movements by Hamas on the ground, including setting up checkpoints and organizing mass funerals, as indicators of the movement's attempt to regain its influence within the sector, according to Israeli Channel 12.

Israeli sources also accused Hamas of trying to drag Israel into ending the agreement through a series of actions described as "minor violations," which could lead to the collapse of the existing arrangements.

In parallel, Israel has targeted more than 60 Hamas leaders over the past month and a half, including a financial official in the movement in Gaza who was killed last week, according to information reported in the Israeli report.

A source in the Israeli Southern Command clarified that military operations against Hamas will continue "as long as necessary." He added that anyone involved in planning or executing attacks against Israel will remain a target of operations.

On the other hand, Israeli security estimates indicated that the ongoing directed pressure may not be sufficient to change the situation, opening the door for an expansion of military action if field developments do not change.

These warnings came at a time when the truce is facing field and political difficulties; Israeli strikes continued in recent days, while Israel and Hamas exchanged accusations regarding violations of the agreement, and disagreements continue to hinder progress in implementing its terms, particularly concerning the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

On September 23, at least four Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on various areas of the Gaza Strip, in a development that came amid ongoing disagreements about the future of the truce and its implementation mechanisms.

Days earlier, the "Peace Council," formed by U.S. President Donald Trump, announced a $2.45 billion plan to begin the reconstruction of Gaza, but its implementation remains tied to resolving disputes between Israel and Hamas regarding disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, according to Reuters.

While Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Turkey, and other countries called on September 22 to maintain the ceasefire and end violations, they urged Israel to fulfill its commitments regarding humanitarian aid, early recovery, and infrastructure rehabilitation.