Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hinted at a major operation in Gaza City, warning Hamas to either release hostages and surrender or be “annihilated”.
In a post on X, Katz said a “powerful hurricane”
will strike Gaza City, where a major Israeli military offensive is underway. “Today, a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will,” he said.
“This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weapons—or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated,” he added.
היום תכה סופת הוריקן אדירה בשמי העיר עזה וגגות מגדלי הטרור ירעדו.
זאת אזהרה אחרונה למרצחי ואנסי החמאס בעזה ובמלונות הפאר בחו”ל: שחררו את החטופים והניחו את הנשק – או שעזה תיהרס ואתם תושמדו.
צה”ל ממשיך כמתוכנן – ונערך להרחבת התמרון להכרעת עזה.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 8, 2025
The Israeli warning came after US President Donald Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Hamas to release hostages and agree to his terms to end the Gaza war, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people. Israel’s military response has killed over 63,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.
“Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!” Trump said on Truth Social.
Hamas Agrees To Negotiate
Shortly after President Trump’s statement, Hamas issued a carefully worded response, saying it “is ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, a total withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip.”
The outlet added that Hamas said, “Hamas welcomes any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people,” and affirmed it had received “some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire,” while being in “constant contact with the mediators to turn these ideas into a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands.”
Hamas militants seized 251 hostages during the massive October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, with 48 still believed to be in Gaza. The Israeli military said 25 of them are dead and has sought the return of their remains.
Earlier, Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week. The White House has not released any details about the proposal but Trump on Sunday portrayed them in a positive light.
“We had some very good discussions. Good things could happen. I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon,” he said.
The warnings came as Israel’s army bombed a Gaza City residential tower on Sunday – the third in as many days – after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was “deepening” its assault on the key urban centre. At least 48 people were killed in Sunday’s Israeli attacks, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.
(with inputs from AFP)
