Fears of renewed Gaza war as Hamas disarmament talks stall
Israeli media report that the army is preparing to resume operations in Gaza after Hamas disarmament talks stalled. A renewed Israeli offensive would open a second front in a region where the US-Iran ceasefire is already fraying. Oil markets are watching the talks closely.
Reports in Israeli media say the army is preparing to resume operations in Gaza after disarmament talks with Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, hit a major impasse. Israeli officials have not formally confirmed a decision but signalled the government was actively reviewing options.
The development comes at a fragile moment, with the US-Iran ceasefire frayed by an exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. A renewed Gaza offensive would open a second regional front and complicate the diplomatic picture. On Israel's northern front, the army last week struck Beirut for the first time since the Hezbollah ceasefire.
Brent crude prices ticked higher on the reports, while gold caught a safe-haven bid. Investors are watching whether Egyptian and Qatari mediators can deliver a last-minute formula to break the deadlock before any decision to relaunch the offensive.
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