By: IndoUS Tribune News Desk

The US Department of State has issued a warning about credible intelligence indicating that Hamas may be planning an imminent attack against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, potentially jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire currently in place.

In a statement released Saturday, the department said it has alerted the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement — including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States — about the reports. The statement emphasized that such an attack would “undermine ongoing mediation efforts and the progress made toward peace.”

The department further warned that if Hamas proceeds with any attack targeting civilians, the United States will take measures “to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.”

The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, marked a critical step toward de-escalation after months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Its first phase involves the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the recovery of the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage from Hamas custody, along with the remaining 20 living hostages. Later in the day, the IDF reported receiving the bodies of two more Israeli hostages.

Hamas has not yet responded to the US warning. However, earlier statements from the group accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by keeping the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed. Hamas claimed the closure has delayed recovery operations and the handover of hostages’ bodies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to keep the crossing closed “constitutes a blatant breach of the ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said in a statement, accusing Israel of failing to uphold its commitments to mediators and guarantor nations.

The situation remains tense as international mediators work to maintain the ceasefire and prevent a renewed cycle of violence.

— IndoUS Tribune