Katz: Gaza will be destroyed, Hamas eliminated if terror group does not disarm, return all hostages
Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Hamas to disarm and release hostages as the IDF gains control of over half of Gaza City and demolishes terror infrastructure.
Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Hamas terrorists in Gaza with serious consequences if the war continues in a post on X/Twitter on Saturday night.
“If Hamas does not release all the hostages and disarm, Gaza will be destroyed and Hamas will be eliminated,” he wrote.
“We will not stop until all the war’s objectives are achieved,” he added.
Katz noted that his warning comes amid the IDF intensifying operations in Gaza City, with over 750,000 residents evacuating to the south of the enclave.
During the operations, the IDF has destroyed terror infrastructure, including what Katz referred to as “terror towers.” The military linked terror infrastructure with Gaza City high rises which were demolished in the beginning of the operation to take control of the last remaining Hamas stronghold.
Smoke rises as a building hit by an Israeli air strike collapses, in Gaza City, September 5, 2025 (credit: REUTERS)
Southern Command assesses IDF controls over half of Gaza City
The IDF’s Southern Command assessed that the military gained operational control of more than half of Gaza City as of Saturday.
Sources in the Southern Command told Walla that the IDF’s territorial gains resulted from coordinated maneuvers at multiple points by various divisions as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II.
Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.
