As the "peace plan" for the Gaza Strip stalls, senior Israeli officials from Military Intelligence and the Southern Command claim that Hamas is gearing up for a new conflict.
They have expressed a preference for resuming combat in the Palestinian territory, despite American opposition, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
Officials report that Hamas is producing hundreds of explosive devices and anti-armor rockets monthly, recruiting fighters, and rehabilitating underground infrastructure across Gaza.
Furthermore, senior officials warned Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir last week that Hamas's military wing is once again preparing for war. They noted that Hamas is recruiting fighters aged 18 to 22 and has recently commenced training its elite forces.
Intensive consultations and meetings occurred between Palestinian factions, including Hamas, and mediators in Cairo about two weeks ago to implement the next phase of the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump for the Gaza Strip. The factions emphasized the necessity of completing the first phase of the plan, which calls for a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, before moving to the next phase.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025 required Israeli forces to withdraw to the "yellow line," giving Israel control over about 53% of the devastated Palestinian territory.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced late last month (May 2026) that he instructed the Israeli army to expand its control over Gaza to 70%.