JERUSALEM — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a “final” warning to the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday, urging them to release all hostages and lay down their weapons. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Katz stated that if Hamas does not comply, “Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated.”
The ultimatum comes amid preparations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand its offensive to take over Gaza City. Katz’s message was a direct threat to Hamas, both in the Gaza Strip and those in “luxury hotels abroad.” He added that the IDF is “preparing to expand the maneuver to decisively defeat Gaza.”
This is not the first time Katz has issued such a warning. A similar ultimatum was made on August 22, when he vowed that “the gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza.” That warning came as the IDF prepared for a new offensive in the region.
The latest threat follows a similar “last warning” from U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, who wrote on his Truth Social platform that Israel had “accepted my Terms” for a deal to release the hostages and that it was now “time for Hamas to accept as well.” Hamas has since responded with a statement indicating a willingness to return to negotiations.
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251. While many hostages have been released, a number still remain in captivity, fueling Israel’s ongoing military operations.