Gaza Crisis Deepens: Israeli Defense Minister Issues Stern Warning to Hamas
The crisis in Gaza continues to escalate as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a grave warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City could face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions. His remarks came just a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government announced the capture of Gaza City, a development that has significantly heightened regional tensions.
Katz specifically warned that Gaza’s other major population centers, including Rafah and Beit Hanun, may also be destroyed if Hamas fails to comply. In a strongly worded statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Defense Minister vowed that the “doors of hell” would open on Hamas fighters, whom he described as murderers and oppressors. He reiterated that Israel’s stance on the conflict remains unchanged—there will be no peace agreement until Hamas is dismantled and all Israeli hostages are freed.
Israel Prepares for Large-Scale Military Action
According to reports from the Israeli Defense Ministry, preparations are underway for a massive military offensive in Gaza. Katz has already approved the mobilization of 60,000 new reserve soldiers, while extending the service period for an additional 20,000 troops who are currently deployed. The upcoming operation will focus on dismantling Hamas’s extensive underground tunnel network, which Israel views as a strategic backbone for militant operations.
A senior military officer confirmed that Israel has not yet launched a full-scale ground invasion into certain key areas of Gaza City. However, the approval of this new operation indicates that the Israeli army is moving closer toward an expanded ground assault aimed at crushing Hamas’s remaining resistance.
Ceasefire Talks Face Uncertainty
Meanwhile, international efforts to broker a ceasefire remain fraught with challenges. Hamas recently announced that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough. However, Israeli leadership has remained skeptical.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, during a visit to the army’s Gaza command unit, emphasized that Israel’s objectives are twofold: the defeat of Hamas and the safe return of all hostages. He insisted that both goals must be achieved simultaneously and instructed Israeli officials to continue negotiations, particularly focusing on the hostages’ release.
The new ceasefire proposal resembles earlier frameworks that Israel had once tentatively accepted before talks broke down. The deal involves a prisoner exchange—Palestinian detainees in return for Israeli hostages—along with a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the initiation of talks on a long-term ceasefire agreement. Despite this, Israel remains cautious, accusing Hamas of exploiting ceasefire talks to regroup and regain strength.
Rising Civilian Toll in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. On Thursday alone, at least 36 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, further exacerbating the crisis amid already dire shortages of food and medicine. Local sources report that famine-like conditions are spreading across the territory, with no area in Gaza considered safe.
Israel claims that its military now controls approximately 75% of Gaza, but civilian reports indicate that heavy bombardments and ongoing clashes continue to devastate communities. Many families remain displaced, and basic survival has become increasingly difficult.
On the other hand, within Israel, public fears are growing. Families of hostages still held by Hamas remain deeply concerned about the fate of their loved ones, as estimates suggest that around 20 hostages may still be alive. The looming large-scale offensive has sparked worries that their survival could be at risk if military operations intensify.
Conclusion
As the conflict enters a new and uncertain phase, the stakes remain extraordinarily high. Israel has made it clear that it will not halt operations until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are released, while Hamas continues to demand an end to the war and recognition of Palestinian rights. With both sides holding firm to their positions, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is expected to worsen, and the possibility of a broader regional escalation cannot be ruled out.