Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a grave warning, indicating that Gaza City could face destruction if Hamas refuses to meet Israel's conditions. As military preparations escalate, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his readiness to authorize a major operation aimed at taking control of the city.
"The gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas' murderers and rapists in Gaza, until they agree to Israel's conditions for ending the war," Katz wrote in a post on X.
"If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun," he added, referring to two cities in Gaza largely razed during previous Israeli operations.
Katz's remarks evoke the scale of devastation previously seen in Rafah and Beit Hanoun, areas that were heavily bombarded earlier in the conflict.
The statement underscores Israel's determination to force Hamas to disarm, release all remaining hostages, and accept its terms for ending the war. This warning coincides with growing signs of an impending expansion of Israel’s military campaign in the enclave.
This comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would authorise the military to seize Gaza City. Netanyahu has ordered immediate negotiations aimed at freeing all the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Netanyahu has said a push to release the hostages would accompany the operation to take control of Gaza City and destroy the Hamas stronghold.
Earlier this week, Israel's Defence Ministry authorised the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists to help seize Gaza City.
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