Israeli Minister Threatens Gaza City Evacuation Over Hostage Plot

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Tuesday to possess intelligence indicating Hamas's intention to abduct an Israeli soldier in Gaza. Katz issued a stark warning to Hamas and its supporters, extending to Iran and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a ceremony marking the Jewish Day of Atonement.

"If a single Israeli soldier or citizen is abducted, the entire city of Gaza, with its homes and towers, will be evacuated southward, like we did before," Katz stated. He vowed that such an act would lead to the leveling of Gaza City, drawing parallels to previous Israeli military operations in Rafah and Beit Hanoun, and asserting control over 70% of Gaza's territory until the soldier's return.

Katz described this approach as the "language" understood by militant groups in Gaza and Lebanon, which involves "evacuating the population, destroying infrastructure, and controlling territory." Israeli media reports suggested that Katz's escalating rhetoric, including unlikely scenarios, might be linked to the ongoing election period.

These statements come amid continued Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in daily casualties. The Israeli military announced on Monday evening that it had targeted Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, alleging it was a response to a roadside bomb explosion near the "Yellow Line," which it deemed a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas."

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem swiftly denied the Israeli claims, calling them baseless and an attempt to justify Israeli violations and escalation. He affirmed Hamas's commitment to the ceasefire, while accusing Israel of continuous breaches.