Defense Minister Israel Katz issues stark warning to Hamas: "Gates of hell will open if Hostages are not freed"

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 33rd anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Katz emphasized that Israel would not hesitate to take action if its demands are not met.

Katz’s remarks came as Israel continues its efforts to negotiate the release of hostages, with international mediators involved in ongoing talks. Despite the repeated violations by Hamas and its rejection of a proposed framework by President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Katz confirmed that Israel had agreed to give a few more days for negotiations. However, he also stated that in the meantime, Israel had halted humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“This is just the beginning. If Hamas does not release the hostages soon, the gates of Gaza will close, and the gates of hell will open,” Katz warned. “We will return to fighting, and they will meet the IDF with strength and in ways they have never known, until Hamas is totally defeated.”

Katz also reiterated the moral and strategic importance of securing the release of all hostages. “The ceasefire agreement and the heavy price Israel has paid were intended to bring about the rapid release of all living hostages and to ensure a proper burial for those who are no longer with us,” he said.

The Defense Minister made it clear that Israel would not allow Hamas to maintain control over Gaza. “We will never allow Hamas to rule Gaza. This fighting will end with two clear goals: the release of all our hostages and the crushing of Hamas’s rule in Gaza,” Katz declared.

As tensions continue to rise, Israel remains firm in its commitment to bring its citizens home while preparing for a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict.