Israeli cabinet convenes to discuss Gaza war resumption

Cabinet Meeting on Military Options

Israeli leaders are set to gather this Sunday for a critical security cabinet session focused on the potential renewal of military campaigns in the Gaza Strip. National media outlets report that senior officials will examine scenarios for resuming hostilities following assessments that Palestinian resistance movements have not adhered to arms reduction protocols outlined in the existing cessation of hostilities agreement.

The deliberations come after Israeli authorities issued a two-month ultimatum in late February demanding the complete surrender of weapons stockpiles. Tel Aviv contends that these disarmament conditions remain unfulfilled, prompting consideration of renewed kinetic operations despite continued diplomatic engagement through third-party negotiators.

Hamas Positions and Counter-Demands

The Palestinian organization has formally submitted its official reply to mediator proposals concerning the initial phase of the October 2025 ceasefire arrangement. Sources familiar with the communications indicate that the group introduced modifications to specific articles while insisting that Jerusalem must first honor its own obligations under the truce terms before any progression to subsequent negotiation phases.

While expressing provisional openness to discussing demilitarization matters, Hamas has tied such concessions to guarantees of sovereign political rights for Palestinians within a comprehensive regional security framework. The movement continues to advocate for an unconditional cessation of fighting, complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza territory, extensive infrastructure reconstruction, deployment of multinational peacekeeping forces, and establishment of a civilian technical committee to govern the enclave.

Humanitarian and Implementation Concerns

Despite the nominal truce, relief agencies report deteriorating conditions for approximately 1.9 million internally displaced persons in Gaza. Critics note that Israeli authorities have restricted humanitarian corridor operations and limited essential supply deliveries through border crossings, failing to meet fundamental commitments under the first-phase agreement designed to alleviate civilian suffering.

Washington announced the commencement of the agreement's second phase in mid-January, outlining provisions for transitional administrative structures, armed group disarmament, further territorial withdrawals, and large-scale reconstruction initiatives. However, implementation has stalled amid mutual accusations of non-compliance from both parties to the conflict.

Political Context and Election Calculations

Defense analysts have previously flagged the likelihood of renewed military action. Military commentator Amos Harel outlined potential government intentions to relaunch Gaza operations in an April 24 analysis published in Haaretz, suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might exploit sustained regional tensions to consolidate political support ahead of national elections scheduled for October.

The convergence of security deliberations with electoral timelines raises questions regarding the strategic motivations behind the war resumption discussions. Observers suggest that maintaining high-alert military postures could serve domestic political objectives while complicating prospects for sustainable diplomatic resolution in the Palestinian territories.