According to the paper The Times of Israelthe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already drawn up plans to launch a new military operation in Gaza during March. The information was confirmed by an Israeli official and an Arab diplomat, who state that a possible operation would depend on political decisions and international support.
A fragile truce in the Gaza Strip has been in effect since October 10, after Israel and Hamas agreed on a 20-point plan, backed by the United States. The agreement aims to end more than two years of fighting, but the truce is still considered extremely unstable.
The unnamed diplomat said Israel would not launch a new military operation without the support of Washington, which insists on implementing the second phase of the ceasefire. That phase entails Hamas laying down its arms, as well as the deployment of international stabilization forces in the Gaza Strip.
According to available information, the Israeli military plan would be focused on the city of Gaza, with the aim of moving the so-called yellow line, which represents the new dividing line of the territory within the Gaza Strip.
On the other hand, according to writing Wall Street Journaland Hamas is preparing for a possible continuation of the fighting. According to the American newspaper, the group has begun the reconstruction of a part of the underground tunnel network that was damaged during earlier Israeli attacks. The information is based on statements by unnamed Arab and Israeli officials.
According to the same sources, Hamas has secured new financial resources for the payment of fighters, as well as for the recruitment of new members, which further increases the fear of an escalation of the conflict.
Although the ceasefire is formally in effect, the Israeli military continues with limited attacks in the Gaza Strip, claiming that the targets of the attacks are Hamas members and leadership. Israeli officials have stated that they are ready to allow additional time for the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, but emphasize that the final decision on new war plans depends on the political leadership in Israel.
(Vijesti.ba)
