Hamas Denies Plotting Soldier Abductions, Accuses Israel of Gaza Escalation Plans

Hamas has vehemently denied Israeli allegations of planning to abduct soldiers, instead accusing Israel of preparing for an escalation of aggression against Gaza. A senior Hamas official told Al-Araby TV on Tuesday that the group is committed to the ceasefire agreement reached under former U.S. President Donald Trump's plan in October 2025. The official stated that Israel is preparing to attack civilian and governmental infrastructure in Gaza and urged mediators to pressure Israel to cease its violations of the agreement. Hamas also called for the swift formation of an agreed-upon "verification committee" to prevent Israel from using alleged claims as a pretext for further attacks.

The Hamas statement followed threats by Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz, who warned of expanded attacks on Gaza if a soldier or civilian was captured. Katz claimed to have "intentions and information" about Hamas's potential for an abduction during a ceremony for the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, though he offered no public details or evidence. He threatened that if an Israeli were captured, the entire city of Gaza, with its million residents, would be evacuated southward, comparing it to the Israeli military's actions in Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Katz also stated Israel would continue its policy of "evacuating populations, destroying infrastructure, and controlling land," and would not withdraw from its current positions in Gaza as long as Hamas exists, linking any troop movement to the disarmament of Hamas and the destruction of tunnels.

Earlier, the Israeli military announced it had attacked Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, claiming it was in response to an explosive device detonated near the "Yellow Line," which it deemed a ceasefire violation. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem dismissed these claims as baseless and aimed at justifying Israeli violations and escalation. He reiterated Hamas's commitment to the ceasefire, contrasting it with ongoing Israeli breaches.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that five Palestinians, including one who succumbed to his injuries, were killed and 25 others wounded in the past 24 hours. The ministry stated that since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire began, Israeli violations have resulted in 1,399 Palestinian deaths and 4,863 injuries. The overall death toll from the Israeli war on Gaza since October 8, 2023, has reached 73,919, with 174,977 injured.

In a related political development, the "Peace Council" on Tuesday urged parties to adhere to the roadmap for the next stages of the ceasefire and refrain from actions that could undermine it, emphasizing the need for international support to translate into practical commitments. The council noted that the roadmap, agreed upon on July 30, includes transferring Gaza's administration to the National Committee for Gaza Management, deploying an international stabilization force, disarmament, phased Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction.