Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that Israel will escalate its military operations in Gaza if a deal for the release of hostages is not reached soon. In a public announcement, Katz emphasized that if Hamas does not facilitate the release of hostages, the group would face unprecedented military strikes. The Israeli military is prepared to intensify its actions against Gaza’s militant strongholds until the hostages are released and Hamas’s influence is curtailed.
Ongoing negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, have stalled due to disagreements over issues such as the continuation of the ceasefire. While Hamas seeks to extend the truce, Israel insists on its right to resume military actions if it perceives a security threat. Another contentious issue is Hamas’s demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel opposes this, citing the need for a military presence to ensure security.
The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the abduction of approximately 250 civilians and soldiers. About 100 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza. The Israeli offensive has severely impacted the Gaza Strip, causing widespread destruction, hunger, disease, and resulting in the deaths of over 45,540 people, according to Gaza health officials.
The hostilities have further intensified with recent incidents, including fighters in Gaza firing rockets into southern Israel. On December 29, several rockets were launched, triggering air raid sirens but causing no injuries as most were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome system. This marks the second consecutive day of rocket fire amidst continued Israeli military actions, further escalating tensions in the region.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/israel-warns-of-escalation-in-gaza-if-hostage-deal-not-reached
Category : World
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-01-02 09:51:00
