Hamas Prepares for Potential Resumption of War as Ceasefire Talks Stall

Hamas has been intensifying its preparations for the possibility of renewed conflict with Israel, according to recent reports. The Wall Street Journal revealed that Hamas has begun repurposing unexploded materials into improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and is scanning properties for listening devices left behind by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to monitor their movements. This indicates that Hamas is actively looking for potential Israeli infiltration within Gaza.

In response to the growing threat, Hamas has set up a specialized unit tasked with detecting and countering any Israeli spies. Additionally, the armed wing of Hamas has appointed new commanders and is focusing on repairing its underground tunnel network in preparation for the potential return to war.

These developments come as Israel and US officials are working to extend the current ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which is set to expire soon. The ceasefire’s 42nd day marks a critical transition, as it is supposed to signal the start of phase two of the signed deal. However, if the negotiations fail to progress, both sides could return to conflict, putting a halt to the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

As part of the ongoing exchange process, Israel and Hamas have conducted several rounds of negotiations. Hamas has reiterated that the release of the remaining hostages depends on the continued adherence to the ceasefire terms, urging Israel to stick to the agreed-upon commitments.

Despite these exchanges, the situation remains fragile, and efforts to move forward with phase two negotiations have stalled. Sources indicate that while Hamas has expressed its readiness to negotiate, there has been little progress on key issues. Israeli officials have confirmed that no real negotiations have taken place with Hamas in recent days, and the situation remains tense.

Hamas has warned that any attempts to obstruct the ceasefire agreement would result in further suffering for prisoners and their families. As negotiations continue, both sides face significant pressure to ensure the stability of the ceasefire and prevent the outbreak of further violence.