Report: IDF warns Hamas is readying to return to war; US opposes new Israeli offensive

Key Points:

• The Israel Defense Forces’ Military Intelligence Directorate and Southern Command warned Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir that Hamas is preparing for renewed conflict by producing explosives, recruiting young fighters, and rebuilding underground infrastructure in Gaza.
• Hamas has resumed training its elite Nukhba force and is attempting to smuggle drones and communication devices from Sinai, while maintaining strong control over Gaza despite ongoing Israeli military pressure.
• The IDF believes a renewed offensive against Hamas is necessary, but the United States opposes this, favoring the continuation of the current ceasefire and the advancement of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative.
• Since the ceasefire in October 2025, the IDF has conducted near-daily strikes in Gaza in response to truce violations, resulting in over 1,000 Palestinian deaths and five Israeli soldier fatalities, with Hamas still controlling much of the enclave.
• Israel has expanded its control to at least 60% of Gaza, with Prime Minister Netanyahu ordering a push to retake 70%, while Hamas continues governing the remaining areas and enforcing its rule through executions of opponents.