US media: Israel ready for new war in Gaza

Citing sources in Israel and Palestine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) states that the Israeli army is fully prepared for renewed conflict with Hamas, having devised the plan in response to the armed wing's refusal to comply with the disarmament clause of the current US-backed proposal.

The report notes that during the ceasefire, Hamas has focused on reconstructing its military infrastructure - particularly its tunnel network - and replenishing its personnel and weapons stockpiles. Funding from undisclosed sources has reportedly resumed for the group's mercenaries.

This restored military capability has prompted Israel to prepare for the possibility of a new large-scale operation, with the goal of compelling Hamas to disarm if it does not do so voluntarily.

A new military operation in the Gaza Strip will definitely be coordinated with US President Donald Trump.

"There are no immediate plans for the military to enter Hamas-controlled Gaza, Israel is willing to give the US plan time to implement it",

the Wall Street Journal reported.

A separate source told the publication that the final decision on resuming major hostilities rests solely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Times of Israel not only confirms the WSJ's report but also provides a specific timeframe for a new war in the Gaza Strip: it could begin as early as March. The IDF's goal will be to take control of a larger portion of the Palestinian exclave (the Israeli army currently occupies approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip).

The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has now lasted for three months.