Israel Threatens to Destroy Gaza City if Hamas Doesn't Meet Conditions
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vows to destroy Gaza City if Hamas fails to disarm and release hostages.
JERUSALEM: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening to destroy Gaza City unless the militant group disarms, releases all remaining hostages in the territory, and ends the war on Israel’s terms.
According to sources, this statement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate negotiations for the release of the hostages, aiming to accompany the operation to take control of Gaza City and destroy the Hamas stronghold.Earlier this week, the defense ministry authorized the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists to help seize Gaza City.
The situation has sparked international condemnation as well as domestic opposition.
The conflict, which began in October 2023 with Hamas’s attack on Israel, has resulted in significant loss of life, including over 1,219 deaths among civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.The Israeli government's plans to expand the fighting and seize Gaza City have been met with criticism, while Palestinian sources indicate that any ceasefire proposal may involve staggered hostage releases.
Israel maintains that all captives should be freed at once.
The UN considers the health ministry figures from Hamas-run Gaza to be reliable, indicating over 62,000 Palestinians killed, most of them civilians, in the Israeli offense.
According to sources, this statement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate negotiations for the release of the hostages, aiming to accompany the operation to take control of Gaza City and destroy the Hamas stronghold.Earlier this week, the defense ministry authorized the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists to help seize Gaza City.
The situation has sparked international condemnation as well as domestic opposition.
The conflict, which began in October 2023 with Hamas’s attack on Israel, has resulted in significant loss of life, including over 1,219 deaths among civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.The Israeli government's plans to expand the fighting and seize Gaza City have been met with criticism, while Palestinian sources indicate that any ceasefire proposal may involve staggered hostage releases.
Israel maintains that all captives should be freed at once.
The UN considers the health ministry figures from Hamas-run Gaza to be reliable, indicating over 62,000 Palestinians killed, most of them civilians, in the Israeli offense.
