Washington [US], October 19 (HBTV): The United States on Saturday issued a stern warning to Hamas over a reportedly planned attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, stating that such an action would constitute a ‘direct and grave violation’ of the existing ceasefire agreement with Israel, which marked the end of the two-year war following the October 7 attacks.
In a statement, the US Department of State said it had received credible intelligence suggesting that Hamas was preparing to carry out a serious violation of the truce, this time targeting its own people.
‘The United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza,’ the statement read.
‘This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts,’ it added.
The US, along with other international guarantors of the truce, called on Hamas to immediately halt any actions that could endanger civilians or destabilise the fragile peace in the region.
‘The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms. Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire,’ the statement said.
The State Department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining regional stability, emphasising that any aggression from Hamas would not only breach the ceasefire but also threaten ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at long-term peace.
‘The United States and the other guarantors remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians, maintaining calm on the ground, and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole,’ the statement added.
The warning comes amid ongoing efforts by regional and international actors to maintain calm following the latest ceasefire negotiations brokered between Israel and Hamas, with Egypt, Qatar, and the US playing key roles in the mediation process.
According to Times of Israel, the warning follows reports over the past week of Hamas members executing dozens of individuals, including rival clan members and Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel. However, there is uncertainty over how such internal actions would constitute a breach of the ceasefire, which primarily focuses on hostilities between Hamas and Israel.
Meanwhile, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump said that the US and Israel were coordinating efforts to establish safe zones within Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza to provide refuge for Palestinians seeking to escape possible retaliation by Hamas, Times of Israel reported.
(ANI)