Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas on Wednesday, saying Israel would intensify its military operations in Gaza if no agreement was reached quickly on the release of the hostages.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas on Wednesday, saying Israel would intensify its military operations in Gaza if no agreement was reached quickly on the release of the hostages.
In a public statement, he said that if Hamas did not allow the release of the Israeli hostages, it would face attacks “of an intensity not seen in Gaza for a long time.” He stressed that the Israeli army would “strengthen and intensify” its operations against Hamas strongholds in Gaza until the hostages were released and the militant movement “eliminated.”
Negotiations led by Qatar, Egypt and the United States are at a standstill on several key issues, including maintaining the ceasefire. Hamas seeks to extend the truce, while Israel insists on the right to resume operations if it perceives a threat to its security. Another point of contention is Hamas’ demand to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza, which Israel opposes, saying a continued military presence is necessary to maintain security there.
The attack launched by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, 2023 notably led to the kidnapping of around 250 Israeli civilians and soldiers, around a hundred of whom are still detained in Gaza.
The ensuing Israeli offensive had a devastating impact on the Gaza Strip, causing massive destruction, famine and epidemics, and leaving at least 45,540 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.■
