Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday vowed to destroy Gaza City if Hamas does not disarm, release all remaining hostages, and agree to Israel’s terms for ending the war.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza – until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote on social media, warning that Gaza City would face the same devastation as Rafah and Beit Hanoun if Hamas refused.
The remarks came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered immediate negotiations to secure the release of hostages, alongside Israel’s planned military operation to seize Gaza City and dismantle Hamas’s stronghold. Earlier this week, the defense ministry authorized the call-up of 60,000 reservists for the offensive.
Mediators have been awaiting Israel’s response to a Hamas-approved ceasefire proposal involving phased hostage releases, while Israel has demanded all captives be freed at once.
Israel’s plan to expand fighting in Gaza has fueled international concern and domestic opposition. Hamas’s October 2023 attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, while Israel’s offensive has since killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, figures the UN deems reliable.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza – until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote on social media, warning that Gaza City would face the same devastation as Rafah and Beit Hanoun if Hamas refused.
The remarks came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered immediate negotiations to secure the release of hostages, alongside Israel’s planned military operation to seize Gaza City and dismantle Hamas’s stronghold. Earlier this week, the defense ministry authorized the call-up of 60,000 reservists for the offensive.
Mediators have been awaiting Israel’s response to a Hamas-approved ceasefire proposal involving phased hostage releases, while Israel has demanded all captives be freed at once.
Israel’s plan to expand fighting in Gaza has fueled international concern and domestic opposition. Hamas’s October 2023 attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, while Israel’s offensive has since killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, figures the UN deems reliable.
