Israel threatens Gaza City's destruction if Hamas doesn't disarm, release hostages

Israel's defense minister has declared that Israeli forces will destroy Gaza's largest city if Hamas refuses to lay down its arms and release hostages.

"Soon, the gates of hell will open for Hamas members in Gaza if they don't agree to Israel's conditions to end the conflict, primarily the release of hostages and disarmament. Then, Gaza City will be like Rafah and Beit Hanoun," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on social media today.

Katz issued the threat as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed troops and equipment on the outskirts of Gaza City, poised to attack. The IDF previously leveled almost all of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip.

On 17/8, the Israeli government approved the next phase of its Gaza operation, focusing on intensifying the offensive against Hamas in Gaza City.

On 21/8, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered immediate negotiations to rescue all remaining hostages in Gaza. The hostage rescue efforts will occur alongside the campaign to seize control of Gaza City and destroy Hamas's stronghold.

Smoke rises after Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Gaza City on 22/8. Photo: AFP

Smoke rises after Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Gaza City on 22/8. Photo: AFP

Earlier this week, Israel's Ministry of Defense authorized the mobilization of approximately 60,000 reserve soldiers to participate in the offensive to occupy Gaza City.

On 18/8, Hamas announced its acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The new agreement includes a provision for the phased release of hostages but doesn't require Hamas to disarm.

Israel hasn't yet responded to this proposal. Tel Aviv insists any ceasefire agreement must guarantee the simultaneous release of all hostages.

Israel's plan to launch an offensive and occupy Gaza City has drawn strong domestic and international opposition. According to health authorities in Gaza, Israeli attacks in the strip have killed over 62,000 people, mostly civilians.