The military wing of Hamas has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that any attempt to occupy Gaza will result in severe consequences. "The plot to occupy Gaza will be a curse for the Israeli leadership. Their army will pay the price in the blood of its soldiers," said Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, on 29/8. He added that such a move would also increase the likelihood of Hamas capturing more Israeli soldiers, emphasizing that their fighters are "on high alert, ready and maintaining their fighting spirit."

Obeida also warned that Israeli hostages held by Hamas would face the same level of risk as the organization's fighters in combat zones. "We will take care of the prisoners as best as we can, but they will be with our fighters in the operational areas, subject to the same conditions and dangers," he declared. He also committed to releasing the names, photos, and evidence for any prisoner deaths resulting from Israeli airstrikes.

Hamas military wing spokesperson Abu Obeida (center) speaking in Rafah in 2017. Photo: AFP

Hamas military wing spokesperson Abu Obeida (center) speaking in Rafah in 2017. Photo: AFP

Abu Obeida accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the current Israeli government of "deliberately halving the number of surviving hostages" through airstrikes. He warned that these attacks would lead to "many bodies never being found."

Earlier that day, Al-Qassam announced it had carried out several attacks against Israeli forces and vehicles in the Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City and the Jabaliya refugee camp. Israeli media reported at least 4 Israeli soldiers missing after a series of "security incidents", but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not commented.

IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir only stated that the military is intensifying airstrikes in Gaza City and will increase its offensive efforts in the coming weeks.

An IDF spokesperson said units have begun the preparation phase and implemented the first steps of the offensive plan, and are currently "acting with great force" on the outskirts of Gaza City. The IDF also declared an end to the previous ceasefire, considering all of Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone."

Location of Gaza City. Graphic: BBC

Location of Gaza City. Graphic: BBC

Hamas fighters launched a coordinated attack on southern Israel in 10/2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to the Gaza Strip. Israel's retaliatory campaign against the territory has killed nearly 63,000 people, according to local health officials.

Gaza City is the largest city in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations estimates that more than one million people live in the Gaza Governorate, which includes Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north of the strip.

Israel has described Gaza City as a "Hamas stronghold". Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz last week threatened to destroy the city if the armed group did not agree to end the conflict on Tel Aviv's terms.

Thanh Danh (According to Palestine Chronicle, AFP, Shafaq)