New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- The United States has said it has received "credible reports" suggesting that Hamas could violate the ceasefire with an attack targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the US State Department said such an assault "would constitute a direct and grave violation" of the agreement brokered by President Donald Trump to end the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas.

No further details were provided about the potential attack, but the US Department emphasised that any such act by Hamas on the people of Gaza would carry serious consequences.

"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the ...