The U.S. State Department warned of an “imminent” attack by Hamas on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, in what the agency said would be a “grave” violation of the ceasefire between the terrorist group and Israel that began just over a week ago.
In a statement on Saturday evening, the agency said it informed nations involved with the peace deal brokered by President Donald Trump of the “planned” attack, who all demanded Hamas honor the ceasefire agreement.
“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. 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. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms,” the statement said.
The State Department also said if Hamas goes through with its attack, unspecified “measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.”
“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.
Trump secured a historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas earlier this month, ending nearly two years of fighting.
In the first phase of the deal, the 20 living hostages held by Hamas since Oct. 7, 2023, were freed, along with some of the remains of the 28 dead hostages. In return, Israel released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
But as Palestinian civilians returned home over the last week, they were met with more violence from Hamas, which has exerted control over the strip for years. Graphic footage surfaced earlier this week allegedly showing Hamas terrorists executing Palestinians in a street in Gaza, as the group tries to to eliminate its political rivals.
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The footage prompted an immediate rebuke from Trump, who suggested non-U.S. forces would be deployed if Hamas continues with its executions.
“If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” the president said on Thursday.
