The WSJ has learned about Israel's preparations for the resumption of hostilities in Gaza

Israel and Hamas are stepping up preparations for a new stage of the conflict in the Gaza Strip due to the refusal of the Palestinian group to disarm, which is hindering the progress of the US administration's peace plan. This was reported on January 10 by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

"The Israeli military has developed plans for a new ground operation in the Hamas—controlled Gaza Strip," the article says.

Israeli security analysts said Israel could choose either a large-scale invasion of Gaza or gradually, piecemeal, take control of the enclave.

"This can happen gradually or quickly, depending on the time frame and strategy. <...> The army is ready and able to do both," said Amir Avivi, a former senior defense ministry official.

It clarifies that the refusal of Hamas to disarm is not the only reason hindering the advancement of the peace plan. Other parts of the first stage have also not been completed: Israel has not yet opened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, and the body of the last remaining dead Israeli hostage in Gaza has not yet been returned.

The United States has also faced difficulties in creating the international stabilization force envisioned by President Donald Trump's peace plan, as only a few countries are willing to join, the WSJ writes.

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Earlier, on December 29, 2025, before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said that in order to accelerate the process of normalizing the situation in the Gaza Strip, the complete disarmament of the Palestinian Hamas movement was necessary. He noted that this should be done as soon as possible.

The Washington Post reported on the same day that Netanyahu, at a meeting with Trump, would try to get Washington's permission to strike Iran's missile sites. It was clarified that the Prime Minister also intends to get the US president to take a tougher stance on the Gaza Strip and demand that the Hamas movement completely disarm before the withdrawal of Israeli troops as part of the second stage of the United States peace plan.

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