Israel and Hamas are bracing for renewed fighting in Gaza as the Palestinian militant group refuses to fully disarm, a key requirement delaying progress on President Trump’s peace plan, the Wall Street Journal reports. Israeli military planners have drafted contingency plans for a new ground operation, while Hamas is focused on rebuilding its military capabilities, including damaged tunnel networks and armed personnel, according to Arab and Israeli officials.
The militant group has also received a new influx of cash, enabling it to pay salaries to fighters and government employees, as well as fund recruitment and reconstruction efforts. Israel estimates Hamas maintains approximately 60,000 rifles and 20,000 fighters, though the group has indicated willingness to relinquish heavy weapons but refuses to surrender small arms. Israeli officials warn that if Hamas does not comply voluntarily, Israel would enforce disarmament.
Despite preparations, there are currently no immediate plans for military action. Israeli officials say political leaders will decide whether and when to act, giving the U.S.-led peace initiative time to move forward. Trump has warned Hamas that failure to disarm will carry “hell to pay.”
The October cease-fire ended two years of intense conflict that left over 70,000 Palestinians dead and devastated much of Gaza. Under the first phase of Trump’s plan, Israel controls just over half of the enclave, while Hamas governs the rest. The plan’s second phase requires Hamas to relinquish arms and administrative control, after which Israel would retreat to a smaller buffer zone, an international force would stabilize Gaza, and a technocratic Palestinian government would take over administration under a Board of Peace chaired by Trump.
Since the cease-fire, Hamas has consolidated power, replacing killed commanders and levying taxes across Gaza. Arab and Israeli officials report that Iran has contributed financial support through intermediaries, aiding the group’s reconstruction and recruitment efforts.
Israeli security analysts suggest that any future operation could be conducted gradually or through a large-scale invasion of Gaza City to force a swift surrender. Erez Winner, a former senior Israeli military planner, said fighting would be easier now given that most Palestinians are displaced and living in temporary shelters. “It will be much faster and easier than people want to believe,” he said.
Complicating the peace process, Hamas faces an internal leadership election, with candidates divided over whether to compromise with Israel. Additional hurdles include unopened border crossings and unresolved hostage issues, while few nations have committed troops for the international stabilization force envisioned in the peace plan. U.S. and Israeli officials have stated that reconstruction efforts will not proceed until Hamas fully disarms.
