Gaza ceasefire breach concerns have escalated sharply after the United States issued a serious warning on Saturday, saying it has “credible reports” that Hamas is planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza. The US State Department called the potential assault a “direct and grave” violation of the fragile ceasefire agreement that has kept tensions from exploding in recent weeks.
According to the State Department, the intelligence points to “imminent operational activity” by Hamas cells that could target both civilians and rival groups within Gaza. While officials refrained from revealing detailed intelligence sources, the tone of the warning was unusually severe — signaling deep concern in Washington that the situation could deteriorate rapidly.
The ceasefire, part of the Trump-brokered 20-point peace plan, has already been under intense strain as both sides accuse each other of breaching its terms. Israel claims Hamas has not fully withdrawn armed fighters from certain zones, while Hamas accuses Israel of covert military operations and supporting rival militant groups to destabilize Gaza.
Hamas quickly denied the US allegations, calling them “false propaganda” aimed at discrediting its control over Gaza. “There is no imminent attack. These are baseless claims designed to justify future aggression,” the group said in a statement. Hamas further accused Israel of “arming local gangs and inciting chaos” in Gaza City and Khan Younis to justify security crackdowns.
Despite the denial, several sources inside Gaza reported heightened security activity by Hamas forces over the past 48 hours. Witnesses said Hamas police have set up new checkpoints, detained dozens of suspected collaborators, and deployed armed units around sensitive installations. Analysts interpret these moves as preparation either for internal security enforcement — or for larger-scale operations.
US officials, meanwhile, have contacted Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey — the key mediators of the current peace arrangement — urging them to pressure Hamas to “adhere strictly to the ceasefire terms.” A State Department spokesperson said, “Any attempt to attack civilians will not only violate the ceasefire but also jeopardize all humanitarian progress made since hostilities paused.”
Former President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire earlier this year, weighed in through Truth Social, warning Hamas against renewed aggression. “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,” Trump wrote, later clarifying that his words referred to potential actions by regional allies, not direct US military involvement.
The situation worsened after a violent confrontation between Hamas forces and members of the Dughmush family, one of Gaza’s most powerful clans, left at least 27 people dead this week. According to BBC Verify, Hamas police stormed a Dughmush compound in Gaza City, accusing them of harboring criminals. The clash turned into hours of gunfire, sending shockwaves across the enclave and raising fears of broader internal unrest.
Currently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) still control about 50% of Gaza’s territory, mainly west of the “Yellow Line.” Within these Israeli-administered zones, reports of looting, gang violence, and lack of law enforcement have surged. Humanitarian agencies warn that the breakdown of order could worsen already dire living conditions, with aid deliveries facing repeated delays and hijackings.
Under the Trump peace framework, Hamas was required to disarm heavy weapons and transition authority to a joint administrative council as part of a “New Gaza” initiative. However, Western and regional intelligence sources confirm that Hamas has resisted disarmament, maintaining a significant cache of rockets and rifles while continuing recruitment drives.
In its defense, Hamas insists that its forces are merely conducting internal security operations to prevent chaos. “Our police forces, supported by local communities, are performing their national duty to protect Gaza’s people and property,” said a spokesperson. “Claims of planned attacks are part of a smear campaign to weaken the resistance.”
Analysts warn that the US statement could be a preemptive attempt to assign accountability should new violence erupt. “This is Washington signaling it won’t tolerate another Hamas offensive,” said political analyst Kareem Mansour. “But it’s also a warning to Israel — the ceasefire must hold, or the diplomatic framework collapses.”
For now, the situation remains tense but uncertain. The Gaza ceasefire breach warning underscores the fragility of the current truce, and both regional leaders and humanitarian groups fear that one misstep could reignite large-scale hostilities.
If verified, this alleged plot could represent the most serious ceasefire violation since the truce began, potentially unraveling months of international mediation and plunging Gaza back into chaos.
Source: BBC News
