Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz | Photo: Reuters
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday cautioned that Gaza City faces the risk of destruction if Hamas does not comply with Israel’s conditions, as the country gears up for a broader offensive in the region.
His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to authorise the military to seize Gaza City. Katz suggested that the city could face devastation similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun, which were heavily damaged earlier in the conflict.
In a post on X, he warned that Israel would continue its assault on Hamas until the group agreed to its terms for ending the war. These conditions include the release of all hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament, AP reported.
Hamas, however, has maintained that it would consider freeing captives only if the war ends but has rejected the idea of disarming without the establishment of a Palestinian state.