**U.S. State Department Warns of Imminent Hamas Attack Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire**
The U.S. State Department issued a warning on Saturday, alerting that Hamas is planning an imminent attack in Gaza, potentially violating the fragile ceasefire agreement reached with Israel just one week ago.
In a statement shared on X, the Department emphasized that any assault against Palestinian civilians “would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts.” Officials also stated that the U.S. is prepared to take measures “to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire” if the attack proceeds.
### Violence Continues Despite Ceasefire
Since the ceasefire began, reports indicate that Hamas has killed at least 33 people in Gaza. The militant group has also delayed the return of hostages’ bodies to Israel, with fewer than half delivered and one body reportedly not matching any known hostages.
Israeli Defense Forces officials confirmed that two coffins carrying deceased hostages arrived in Israel on Saturday for identification.
### Hostage Returns and Rising Tensions
President Donald Trump, who oversaw the peace plan, stated earlier this week that “we will disarm” Hamas if the group fails to comply with the agreement, according to a report by The Hill.
Last week, Trump posted on Truth Social, warning that if Hamas “continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal,” the U.S. “will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” signaling a firm threat of decisive action.
### Progress and Challenges in the Peace Process
Earlier this month, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, which included:
– A ceasefire
– The release of hostages
– Israeli troop withdrawals
He expressed gratitude toward mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, calling the agreement a key step toward lasting peace and declaring, “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
The ceasefire has remained in place during Trump’s recent visit to Israel, where he addressed the Knesset and participated in a summit in Egypt focused on conflict resolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for reconstruction and national unity, while thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza, seeking peace despite the widespread destruction caused by the conflict.
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*Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.*
*Photo courtesy: Joshua Sukoff / Shutterstock.com*
https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/10/48292970/hamas-plans-imminent-ceasefire-violation-in-gaza-us-warns-of-civilian-risk-potential-military-respo
