Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning, declaring his intention to devastate Gaza City unless Hamas adheres to specific conditions: disarmament, the release of all hostages, and agreement to terms set by Israel for ending the conflict. In a post on social media, Katz asserted, “Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
He further stated that should Hamas refuse to comply, Gaza, regarded as the stronghold of the militant group, would face annihilation, analogizing the city’s fate to that of Rafah and Beit Hanoun—areas severely affected during previous military campaigns.
This declaration follows remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced a push for immediate negotiations to secure the release of all hostages still held in Gaza. Netanyahu indicated that these negotiations would coincide with military operations aimed at reclaiming Gaza City from Hamas’ control.
On the humanitarian front, the Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative is expected to unveil troubling figures on hunger in Gaza. Prior to this release, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized the initiative, suggesting that it misrepresents the situation. He stated, “You know who IS starving? The hostages kidnapped and tortured by uncivilised Hamas savages,” and suggested that Hamas share resources with those in need.
Recently, the Israeli defense ministry authorized the mobilization of around 60,000 reservists to facilitate the seizure of Gaza City. Netanyahu underscored the intertwined nature of defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of ongoing negotiations.
The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the potential humanitarian catastrophe stemming from Israel’s plan to escalate military actions in Gaza City, warning that it would have dire consequences for an already beleaguered civilian population. Mediators have been awaiting an official Israeli response to a ceasefire proposal, which Hamas has accepted. Palestinian sources indicate that the proposal includes staggered hostage releases, while Israel maintains that any agreement should stipulate the simultaneous release of all captives.
The conflict has intensified since Hamas launched an assault on Israel in October 2023, resulting in 1,219 fatalities, the majority being civilians, according to figures compiled by AFP. Currently, of the 251 hostages taken during that attack, 49 remain in Gaza, with Israeli military reports suggesting that 27 of these individuals have died. In response to ongoing hostilities, Israeli offensives have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 62,192 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, based on data from the Hamas-run health ministry, recognized as credible by the United Nations.
The escalation of violence in the region has provoked widespread condemnation both internationally and within Israel, as calls for peace continue to clash with the realities of war.
