Hamas continues to reject a partial deal based on the Witkoff framwork, and as a result, Israel conveyed a message on Thursday that the offensive would begin shortly - sources familiar with the details told Israel Hayom.
If there is no meaningful progress in the very near future, the sources added, Israel may initiate the ground maneuver it has been threatening to launch for several weeks now.
Some of the reservists expected to take part in the operation, or replace regular forces who will be involved, have already been mobilized. Once a decision is made, the IDF is expected to call up additional troops to expand the offensive.
As previously reported by Israel Hayom, the IDF's plan involves seizing a significant portion of the Gaza Strip, while pushing the local population southward. To support this relocation and to prevent starvation among Gaza's two million residents, the IDF has been working in recent days to establish aid centers in southern Gaza. These centers will be run by an American company or international organizations that will be responsible for distributing the humanitarian assistance.
Israeli officials say there is still a narrow window of opportunity in which the terrorist organization could agree to release the hostages under the Witkoff framework. However, as of the latest assessments, Hamas is still regarded by Israel as rejecting the deal.
It is believed that if Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, has indeed been killed, the chances of a deal increase. Mohammed Sinwar was considered one of the hardline figures who repeatedly blocked a hostage agreement.
As of now, it is still too early to determine his fate. However, as time passes, Israeli assessments increasingly point to the likelihood that he is no longer alive. To confirm this, the IDF continues to strike the area where he was believed to be located, aiming to prevent any rescue attempt by terrorists in case he was only wounded and not killed.
