Israel Orders Military To Ready For Potential Escalation In Gaza Amid Hamas Tensions

According to a report by Al Jazeera on January 2, 2025, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to ready itself for the potential resumption of heavy combat with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing security officials familiar with the discussions.

According to the report, Israel’s security establishment has made clear that it has not been instructed by political leaders to prepare for reopening the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The crossing has remained largely closed amid ongoing tensions, and no immediate policy shift is said to be under consideration.

A security source quoted by the newspaper said the likelihood of Israel permitting the entry of goods into Gaza under the current circumstances is minimal. Allowing such shipments, the source explained, would effectively facilitate reconstruction efforts while Israel’s core demands have yet to be addressed.

Those demands include the return of the remains of Staff Sergeant Major Ran Gvili, identified as the last remaining Israeli captive held by Hamas. In addition, Israel is seeking the full demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions operating in the territory.

The source stressed that without progress on these issues, easing restrictions would undermine Israel’s negotiating position and security objectives. As a result, preparations are focused on military readiness rather than steps toward reopening border crossings or expanding humanitarian access.

Israeli officials have consistently tied any changes in policy regarding Gaza to tangible movement on these conditions, the report said. Previous statements by government and defense figures have emphasized that reconstruction and economic relief for Gaza would only follow once Israel’s security requirements are met.

The Jerusalem Post noted that the latest instructions reflect continuing uncertainty over the trajectory of the conflict and the fragile nature of current understandings with Hamas. With no political directive to alter the status quo, defense planners are preparing for the possibility that hostilities could intensify again in the near term.

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