Israel vows to destroy Gaza City if Hamas doesn’t disarm and release hostages

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed on Friday to destroy Gaza City if Hamas did not agree to disarm, release all remaining hostages in the territory and end the war on Israel’s terms.

“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s 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,” the minister posted on social media.

“If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” he added, referring to two cities in Gaza largely razed during previous Israeli operations.

He restated Israel’s ceasefire demands: the release of all hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late on Thursday that he had ordered immediate negotiations aimed at freeing all the remaining hostages in Gaza.

With ground troops already active in strategic areas, the wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days.