Ceasefire Under Strain as IDF Accuses Hamas of Violations
The new phase of the ceasefire, facilitated by the US, between Hamas and Israel has recently started, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim that Hamas has breached this agreement by using ambulances, hospitals, and schools to reestablish control in the northern Gaza Strip.
Exclusive video provided to Fox News Digital by the IDF purportedly shows Hamas operatives employing ambulances to transport militants and weapons, allegedly from the “courtyard of Yemeni al-Sayed Hospital” to various checkpoints in northern Gaza.
“We observe an armed individual entering an ambulance with a Kalashnikov rifle. This has connected some crucial dots for us,” an IDF official stated about the footage shared with Fox News Digital, adding that the information has been passed on to US authorities.
Partial Reopening of Gaza’s Rafah Border
The initial terms of the ceasefire required Hamas to release all hostages. The current phase stresses the disarmament of Hamas, labeled a terrorist group by both the United States and the EU.
An IDF spokesperson mentioned, “We’ve seen concerning developments lately. Hamas is returning to the front line, the yellow line,” referring to the demarcation that separates Israeli-controlled areas in Gaza, which are around 53%, from those outside of Israeli jurisdiction.
“Hamas is accessing schools, hospitals, and kindergartens, turning these spaces into military strongholds. A Hamas commander oversees each school in Jabalia, a town in northern Gaza,” the official reported.
Furthermore, he noted, “We are witnessing Hamas utilization of ambulances for military purposes. This indicates a level of confidence and a potential uptick in aggression towards our bases.” Jabalia, specifically, has experienced intense confrontations during the IDF’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, with reports indicating the recovery of remains of several hostages from the area in May 2024.
Asked about the number of Hamas fighters currently in Jabalia, an IDF official estimated about 3,000, alongside the return of roughly 75,000 civilians.
Major Setbacks for Hamas
Recently, Hamas publicly confirmed the deaths of five leaders, including a spokesperson described as operating undercover, which represents a significant loss for the group.
According to the IDF, active tunnels still exist within the Jabalia refugee camp, and efforts to dismantle those inside the yellow line are in progress.
Historically, there have been extensive reports about Hamas’ use of medical facilities for military operations, with the IDF previously capturing nearly 100 individuals linked to Hamas at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.
Prior to the ceasefire initiated in October 2025, the IDF showcased Hamas tunnels leading to a Jordanian field hospital in Gaza City, prompting Jordanian authorities to deny any connections with Hamas personnel at that site.
An IDF official pointed out that at Yemen Al-Sayed Hospital, one of the hospitals in question, a Hamas commander holds authority, restricting the IDF’s operational freedom, which constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas initiated an incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to over 1,200 fatalities and the kidnapping of more than 250 individuals, heightening overall tensions in the region.
Questions loom over the feasibility of disarming such a committed militant organization. Senior officials within Hamas insist they will not disarm, with one official stating that discussions regarding their arms never occurred.
A Israeli Defense Force official expressed skepticism about the possibility of the disarmament, noting that while Hamas might relinquish some heavy weapons, a comprehensive disarmament seems unlikely. Others share the belief that Hamas’s operatives are aware that complete disarmament is off the table.
Attempts to reach a Hamas spokesperson for further comments were unsuccessful.
