Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct threat to the civilian population of Gaza on Wednesday, telling the “residents of Gaza” to expel Hamas and free Israeli hostages or face “utter destruction and devastation.”
Katz warned that the attacks on Gaza will get much worse than the bombardment Israel unleashed on Tuesday morning, which killed 436 Palestinians, including 183 children.
“Residents of Gaza, this is your last warning. The first Sinwar ruined Gaza and the second Sinwar will destroy it completely. The air force attack against Hamas terrorists was only the first step. The rest will be significantly worse, and you will pay the price,” Katz said in a video statement released on social media.
The Israeli minister said that soon, forced evacuations from “combat zones” will resume. “Unless all the Israeli hostages are released and Hamas is expelled from Gaza, Israel will act with force never before seen,” he said.
Katz said that the people of Gaza should take the “advice” of President Trump and “return the hostages and expel Hamas.” He appeared to be referencing Trump’s recent threat to the “people of Gaza” that they would be “dead” if the hostages weren’t released.
Israel and Hamas reached an agreement in January that would have led to the release of all Israeli hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. But Israel abandoned the deal and has been emboldened by President Trump’s repeated calls for Palestinians to be permanently removed from Gaza.
Katz said in the statement that if the hostages are freed and Hamas is expelled, “other options” would be open to the Palestinians of Gaza, including “relocating to other places in the world to those who wish.” Katz’s comments imply that ethnic cleansing is Israel’s goal no matter what happens with the hostages or Hamas.
“The alternative is utter destruction and devastation,” Katz said.
The genocidal statement from Katz came as the Israeli military began a new ground invasion in Gaza, retaking the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern Gaza from the rest of the Strip. Israeli strikes have also continued amid a total blockade on all food, fuel, aid, and other goods entering Gaza.
