Netanyahu’s “Hell” Plan: Israel Ramps Up Pressure on Hamas Amid Gaza Truce Stalemate
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "Hell Plan" aims to pressure Hamas into accepting ceasefire terms, amid stalled negotiations following a recent truce expiration. Israel has suspended humanitarian aid and threatens full conflict resumption if Hamas resists. With hostages remaining, mediation efforts this week are critical to avoid escalating violence in Gaza.
hassan benyoub 
Jerusalem, March 3, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has devised a “maximum pressure” strategy dubbed the “Hell Plan” to force Hamas into accepting Israel’s terms for extending the Gaza ceasefire, according to Israeli media reports on Monday. The move comes as negotiations falter following the expiration of the truce’s first phase, raising the specter of renewed conflict.
Escalation After Aid Blockade
Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday, citing Hamas’s rejection of a U.S.-proposed extension of the ceasefire that began January 19 after over 15 months of war. The initial truce, brokered by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, ended its first phase on Saturday, with both sides at odds over the next steps. Netanyahu’s office accuses Hamas of spurning a compromise from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which would extend the pause through Ramadan and Passover until mid-April.
In response, Hamas insists on advancing to the original deal’s remaining phases, which include further hostage releases and a permanent ceasefire—terms Israel has resisted. The standoff prompted Netanyahu to block aid trucks, a decision Hamas labeled “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime” (BBC News, March 1, 2025).
The “Hell Plan” Unveiled
Israeli public broadcaster Kan reports that Netanyahu aims to stretch the truce’s first phase by at least a week, awaiting Witkoff’s arrival in the region. Sources close to the prime minister told Kan he’s testing whether mediators can sway Hamas to comply. Failing that, he’s prepared to unleash the “Hell Plan” to escalate pressure this week.
The plan, per Kan and Israel Hayom, includes:
- Forced Displacement: Relocating Gaza’s northern residents south, echoing past evacuation orders.
- Power Cuts: Shutting off electricity to the enclave.
- Aid Suspension: Continuing the blockade of humanitarian supplies, already in effect since Sunday (Reuters, March 2, 2025).
If Hamas remains defiant, the ultimate step would be a full resumption of hostilities, leveraging heavy bombs and billions in military aid recently supplied by the Trump administration. Posts on X mention Israel’s “Plan Enfer” involving strikes and a “return to fighting,” reflecting these reports ([X posts, March 2-3, 2025]).
Hostages vs. Hardliners
Despite pressure from far-right coalition allies to abandon the truce, Israel Hayom notes Netanyahu’s intent to exhaust all avenues for freeing hostages—64 remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead—before resuming war. This contrasts with his cabinet’s hawkish stance, which aligns with Trump’s warnings of “hell breaking loose” if captives aren’t released (ABC News, Feb 11, 2025).
Hamas, meanwhile, demands guarantees for phase two, accusing Israel of sabotaging the deal (Al Jazeera, Feb 22, 2025). The group’s rejection of Witkoff’s temporary extension has deepened the impasse.
What’s Next?
The “Hell Plan” signals Netanyahu’s readiness to escalate if mediation fails. With Witkoff due soon, this week could prove decisive—either extending the truce or plunging Gaza back into war. Aid agencies warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with no trucks entering since Saturday (PBS News, March 2, 2025).
