Israel's Defense Minister threatened to "completely destroy" Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to “completely destroy” Gaza if the Palestinians do not release the hostages and do not expel HAMAS. He stated this in a video address distributed by the military office's press service.

“If all Israeli hostages are not released and HAMAS is not expelled from Gaza, Israel will unleash forces you have never known before. Accept U.S. President Donald Trump's offer, return the hostages, and drive out HAMAS. Other options will open for you, including the possibility for those who wish to relocate to other parts of the world. The alternative is total destruction and annihilation,” he said.

Additionally, Katz announced that the evacuation of civilians from the combat zones in the Gaza Strip will begin soon.

“The strikes by the Israeli Air Force against HAMAS terrorists were only the first step. The continuation will be much heavier, you will pay the full price,” Katz warned.

Within the framework of ground operations, Israeli forces expanded their control over the center of the Netsarim corridor, which cuts through the Gaza Strip from the Be'er Sheva area in southern Israel to the coastline and separates the northern part of the enclave from the southern part.

According to Middle Eastern media, Israeli forces have currently occupied approximately half of the Netsarim corridor, which separates the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, as well as the area along the main highway in the region — up to Salah al-Din.