Israel Threatens to Resume Fighting in Gaza if Hamas Does Not Comply with Ceasefire Deal

Strategic Insights -

The fragile six-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas hangs in the balance, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warning that Israel will resume fighting and pursue the "absolute defeat" of Hamas if the Islamic group does not demilitarize and return all bodies of hostages in its custody. The threat comes as Hamas has handed over the remains of two more hostages, claiming it is the last time they are holding any bodies. Katz stated that Israel will return to fighting in coordination with the United States, with the goal of achieving the "absolute defeat" of Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and attaining all objectives of the war.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas to demilitarize and return all bodies of hostages in its custody, or face renewed fighting and "absolute defeat."
  • Katz instructed the military to prepare a comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas, to be drafted in the event Hamas refuses to implement the U.S. plan and fighting needs to be renewed.
  • Hamas handed over the remains of two more hostages, claiming it is the last time they are holding any bodies, in accordance with the fragile six-day ceasefire.
  • The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, TA 1/4rkiye, Qatar, and Egypt, went into effect on Friday after more than two years of Israeli bombardments that caused widespread destruction and killed almost 70,000 people.
  • Katz stated that Israel will work with an international force led by the United States to destroy all tunnels and terror infrastructure in Gaza and ensure the strip is demilitarized and poses no threat to the State of Israel.
  • The U.S. plan requires Hamas to return all bodies of deceased hostages in its custody and disarm, or face renewed fighting.
  • Israel and Hamas are at an impasse over the issue of hostages, with Hamas electing not to comply with the terms of the U.S. plan despite the threat of renewed fighting.

Statistics:

  • Almost 70,000 people were killed in over two years of Israeli bombardments prior to the ceasefire.
  • The U.N., academic experts, and international aid groups have warned that Israel may have committed genocide and other crimes against humanity.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX, October 15, 2025
  • Original text, exact citation as provided.