Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that Hamas will be given a deadline to disarm, and if the group refuses to give up its weapons. 

“We estimate that in the coming days, Hamas will be given an ultimatum to disarm and completely demilitarise Gaza,” Smotrich said on Monday. If Hamas does not comply, the army “will have international legitimacy and American backing to do it itself, and the IDF (military) is already preparing for this and is making plans.”

In October, Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire and hostage agreement that was meant to bring an end to the onslaught in Gaza. However, Israel has continued to attack the Strip, and Washington and Tel Aviv are now demanding that Hamas disarm before the deal progresses.

Hamas did not agree to disarm under the October agreement. The group has offered to give up its weapons as part of the creation of a Palestinian state. 

President Donald Trump has said that there are Arab countries willing to send troops to Gaza to disarm Hamas. Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that the IDF will be ordered to complete the operation.  

“The (Israeli military) will definitely enter and occupy Gaza if Hamas does not disarm,” Smotrich said.

Last month, the Times of Israel reported speaking with Israeli officials who said preparations were underway to resume the onslaught on Gaza in March. Earlier this month, a top aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas had 60 days to disarm.