‘All Gates of Hell Will Open’: Israel Warns Hamas Gaza City Could Be Destroyed

Israeli Defense Minister on Friday issued a stark warning that Gaza City could face destruction if Hamas does not comply with Israel’s conditions, as the country prepares to expand its offensive in the region.

Referring to the devastated areas of Rafah and Beit Hanoun, Katz wrote on X, “The gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza — until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war.”

Israel’s demands include the release of all hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament. Hamas, in turn, has stated it would release captives only if the war ends, but refuses to disarm without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The conflict escalated after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, and 251 abducted, most of whom have since been released through ceasefires or negotiations.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between militants and civilians, at least 62,192 Palestinians have died since the start of the war.