Israel Katz: If Hamas doesn't release hostages - IDF will intensify fighting

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Morag Axis in Gaza today (Wednesday), together with Southern Command Commander, Major General Yaniv Ashur, Commander of the 36th Division, Brigadier General Moran Omer, and other commanders.

According to the official statement, the Defense Minister received an operational and intelligence briefing during the visit from the field commanders about IDF activities in the area and the progress in capturing it.

The Defense Minister then thanked the commanders and fighters in the field and emphasized that the goal of Operation "Oz and Sword" is primarily to achieve a new hostage deal.

"I came here today to strengthen the IDF commanders and soldiers who are fighting resolutely for the release of the hostages and to weaken Hamas."

Katz then noted the achievements of the IDF: "The IDF is eliminating terrorists, locating and thwarting terror infrastructure, and dividing the Gaza Strip, including in places like the Morag Axis where we haven't operated until now."

The Defense Minister then made note of the effects of the IDF's increasing encirclement of the Gaza Strip: "Gaza's population is evacuating from combat zones, and many areas are being captured and annexed to Israel's security zones, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated."

Katz then said that Israel is prepared to escalate tensions: "If Hamas continues its refusal and doesn't soon release the hostages - the IDF will move to intensive fighting throughout Gaza until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated."

He also reiterated Israel's commitment to Trump's plan to help Gazans voluntarily relocate: "At the same time, we are working to advance the plan for voluntary migration of Gaza residents in accordance with the US President's vision that we are working to implement."

He then ended his statement with an appeal to ordinary Gazans: "I appeal to the residents of Gaza: remove Hamas and return the hostages - this is the only way to stop the war."