Netanyahu govt directs IDF to prepare for ‘immediate’ return to Gaza war: Report

Israel’s top political leadership has reportedly directed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to prepare for an “immediate” return to fighting in Gaza.

KAN news on Friday (March 7) reported citing officials that the talks for extending truce in Gaza between Hamas and Israel “were not progressing”.

“Hamas is currently rejecting [US Middle East envoy Steve] Witkoff’s proposal, so it is very difficult to make progress,” one official was quoted as saying.

This comes after last week some media reports suggested that Israel was preparing to resume fighting in Gaza ‘in about a week and a half’ if no agreement is reached.

Hamas ‘not agreeing’ to Witkoff’s proposal

According to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Witkoff’s plan outlines a phased hostage release.

On the first day of the continued deal, half of the living hostages and half of the bodies would be returned. The remaining hostages and bodies would be released on the 42nd day, marking the final day of the ceasefire.

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However, reports indicate that Hamas has not explicitly accepted or rejected the proposal. A source familiar with the negotiations stated, “Hamas has neither accepted nor rejected the Witkoff proposal.”

New IDF chief’s warning

Meanwhile, on Thursday (March 6), new IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir told communities in Gaza border areas that “we are preparing to return to fighting” in Gaza.

“We must defeat Hamas,” Zamir said. “We are also preparing to resume fighting. The hostages are our top priority.”

‘US, Israel to take joint action against Hamas’

Earlier on Thursday, Witkoff told reporters that US and Israel could take joint action against Hamas if negotiations collapse.

“There definitely is such a date, but I’m not at liberty to discuss what that is,” Witkoff said. “It’s unclear exactly what’s going to happen. I think there’s going to be some action taken. It could be jointly with the Israelis.”

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The White House confirmed on Wednesday that it has directly engaged in talks with Hamas, marking the first public acknowledgement of US negotiations with the designated foreign terrorist organisation.

Phase 1 of the ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas expired on March 1, after Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal for an extension.

(With inputs from agencies)