Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz yesterday threatened Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with “complete destruction” and “displacement” if Israeli captives are not released and Hamas is not removed from power.
In a video message addressed to the residents of Gaza, Katz issued a “final warning” saying the air strikes launched at dawn on Tuesday which killed over 400 Palestinian civilians was “just the beginning”.
“What is coming will be much harsher, and you will pay the full price. Soon, the evacuation of residents from combat zones will resume,” he added.
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Katz also called on Palestinians in Gaza to heed the “advice” of US President Donald Trump by “handing over Israeli prisoners and removing Hamas”, in return for opening “other options” including the possibility of leaving the Strip to other locations.
“The alternative is total destruction,” he added.
The Israeli occupation army redeployed its ground troops into central and southern Gaza yesterday, including the strategic Netzarim Axis separating the north of the enclave from its south.
It also closed Salah Al-Din Street, preventing Gazans from moving north, while movement southward remained open.
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