The U.S. Department of State on Saturday threatened “credible reports” that Hamas may be planning to carry out an imminent attack against Palestinian civilians within Gaza — an action that the department said would be a “direct and serious violation” of the just-negotiated cease-fire. The statement said that the United States has informed the guarantor parties to the peace accord and urged Hamas to live up to its obligations, said the U.S. Department of State.
The Department said the alleged conspiracy, if carried out, would “undermine the significant achievements achieved through mediation efforts” and warned that “measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the people in Gaza and the integrity of the ceasefire.” The advisory offered no further public information on the alleged conspiracy, including time, location, or origin of reporting.
The warning came after the release of a viral video on the internet said to show Hamas extremists killing Palestinians in the central square of Gaza City.
President Donald Trump posted an update on Truth Social on Thursday, issuing a warning to Hamas outright, saying that “If Hamas continues to kill in Gaza, which was not included in the deal, we will have no choice but to go in and eliminate them,” according to
U.S. officials said they briefed the guarantor countries that helped broker the cease-fire. Experts cautioned that formal public statements of this nature are intended not only to discourage action but also to signal willingness to counteract it.
Israeli and Palestinian authorities did not have an immediate reaction to the State Department alert. It was unclear whether Hamas leaders in Gaza had been informed of the allegation or how it would handle the public fallout from being accused of plotting to attack civilians.
The State Depwrtment said the guarantors are “firm in our determination to protect civilians, remain calm on the ground, and support peace and prosperity to the people of Gaza and the region as a whole.” The department continued that in case Hamas proceeds with the claimed attack, unspecified measures would be taken to protect the people of Gaza and uphold the cease-fire.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
