Kochi: Israel cabinet approved plans for a massive assault on Gaza City while Israel Defence Minister warned to destroy Gaza City if Hamas failed to agree to disarm and release all hostages, BBC reported.
The warning came amidst widespread pressure from within and outside the country.
Hamas had agreed for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half of the remaining hostages in Gaza which was rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who demanded release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war in Gaza on terms “acceptable to Israel”.
Israel believes that Hamas had kept in its captivity a total of 50 hostages out of which only 20 are still alive after 22 months of war.
Defence Minister Katz posted on social media on Friday: “Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza – until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament.
“If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” he added.
Both cities have been reduced to ruins following Israeli military operations.
The IDF has warned medical officials and international organisations to prepare for the planned evacuation of Gaza City’s entire population of one million residents to shelters in the south before troops move in.
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said last month that the “worst-case scenario of famine” was “playing out in Gaza.”
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 62,192 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Israel warns harsh action
