Hamas Under Pressure, Plans Gaza Kidnapping Attempt, Israel Warns

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Tuesday that Hamas is planning a kidnapping attempt from the Gaza Strip, according to a report by i24NEWS. Military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua provided new details on the threat originating from Gaza.

A senior security official told i24NEWS that Hamas is under significant pressure due to increased Israeli military targeted killings in Gaza. The organization is reportedly attempting to carry out a kidnapping to halt these operations. The official warned that if Hamas succeeds, Israel could face another major conflict amid its election period.

In response to the threat, the IDF has instructed forces along the Gaza border to maintain heightened vigilance. In the past 24 hours, forces have observed Hamas sending children towards the border. Requests to open fire to deter them were denied in some instances.

Earlier Tuesday, Defense Minister Katz stated at a Yom Kippur War memorial ceremony that if a soldier or civilian is kidnapped, "the entire city of Gaza, with its homes and terror towers, will be evacuated southward from its million residents." He added that Gaza would be dealt with similarly to Rafah and Khan Younis, with 70% of its territory targeted, until the captive is returned.