Israel Threatens to Level Gaza City Unless Hamas Disarms and Frees Hostages
Israel has issued a stark ultimatum: Gaza City may be “leveled” unless Hamas disarms, releases its hostages, and undergoes demilitarization. Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered the warning, saying that if Hamas fails to comply, the northern city could suffer devastation akin to that witnessed in Rafah and Beit Hanoun. His remarks come amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approving plans for a potential large-scale operation to seize the city, regarded as Hamas’s final stronghold.AP News
In parallel, Hamas has accepted a 60-day ceasefire proposal offered by Arab mediators, Egypt and Qatar, which includes a phased exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Yet Prime Minister Netanyahu remains unmoved, demanding full disarmament of Hamas and the complete release of all hostages.The Guardian
Israel is already acting. It has convened up to 60,000 reservists and initiated ground operations with the goal of encircling Gaza City by dismantling Hamas infrastructure. While hospitals and aid centers have been told to evacuate, Gaza’s health ministry has rejected these instructions, and hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped, raising serious humanitarian concerns.The TimesThe Wall Street JournalReuters
The international reaction has been swift and critical. Human rights groups and national leaders warn that an offensive in Gaza City, which houses large swaths of civilians and essential infrastructure, could result in catastrophic loss of life and collapse of humanitarian access.The GuardianReuters
Behind the scenes, speculation grows that the rhetoric may serve dual purposes: as both a lever to pressure Hamas and a strategic distraction from Israel’s internal political friction and complacency in managing the campaign.The Guardian Amid mounting domestic discontent, including mass protests led by hostage families, Netanyahu faces growing pressure to prioritize diplomacy over continued military escalation.Financial TimesThe Times
From Gaza’s perspective, thousands have already begun evacuating eastern parts of Gaza City, bracing for escalated conflict. There is widespread fear of another mass displacement, as shelters and critical infrastructure have been compromised by continuous bombardment.ReutersNew York Post
Despite signs of openness from Hamas to the ceasefire proposal, Israel’s requirement for unconditional surrender; disarmament, hostages freed, and demilitarization, reinforces a deadlock. Without flexibility or dialogue, humanitarian stakes may spiral further.The GuardianNew York Post
