Israeli minister warns Hamas to disarm or 'face the gates of hell'

Israeli defence minister warned that “the gates of hell will soon open” if Hamas fails to comply, adding that the Israeli military is prepared to raze Gaza City as it did in Rafah and Beit Hanoun.

“The gates of hell will soon open over Hamas 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 Times of Israel quoted Katz as saying.

His remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, announced that he had approved a plan to occupy Gaza City and “crush Hamas.”

Hamas swiftly responded, accusing Netanyahu of disregarding international mediation efforts for a ceasefire and prolonging the war to further Israel’s territorial objectives in Gaza.

The Israeli army has escalated its campaign to seize control of Gaza, as the government mobilised reservists to execute its occupation plan and forcibly displace thousands of Palestinians.

Read more: Gaza suffering worst level of hunger as UN declares famine amid Israeli blockade

Despite mounting international condemnation, the Israeli government has already approved the plan. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has stated that it is up to Israel to decide how to handle Gaza.

The humanitarian catastrophe is worsening as famine spreads across the war-torn strip. Two more Palestinians reportedly died of starvation, bringing the crisis to a critical stage.

The United Nations has officially declared Gaza famine-stricken. According to the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, around 514,000 people, roughly a quarter of Gaza’s population, are currently enduring famine conditions. That figure could rise to 641,000 by the end of September if the conflict continues.