GAZA: Israel has vowed to escalate its airstrikes on Gaza, promising a “mighty hurricane” to serve as a final warning to Hamas. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, declared that the operation would destroy Gaza unless the militant group agreed to free all hostages and surrender.
On Monday, residents reported heavy airstrikes on Gaza City, with Israeli forces targeting armored vehicles and bombarding the area from the air. Hamas, meanwhile, said it was reviewing a new ceasefire proposal from the United States. US President Donald Trump warned Hamas that this was their “last chance” to comply with the terms presented to them.
Katz’s message on X called for the complete dismantling of Hamas, stating, “This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in the luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weapons – or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated.”
The violence continues amidst rising tensions, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bombed a 12-floor building in Gaza City where displaced families had sought refuge. The IDF claimed that Hamas militants had been operating from the building, using it as a base to plan attacks.
The United States has proposed that Hamas release all hostages immediately as part of a ceasefire deal, offering negotiations to follow. However, Hamas has insisted that it will only agree to such a deal once the war is officially over, with Israeli forces withdrawing.
In another escalation, two Palestinian gunmen killed six people at a bus stop in Jerusalem in one of the deadliest attacks the city has seen in recent years. The attackers, identified as Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, were shot dead by Israeli forces at the scene.
This attack was condemned by international leaders, including Spain, whose foreign ministry confirmed that a Spanish citizen was among the victims. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned the incident, while French and UAE officials expressed solidarity with Israel.
Meanwhile, Trump has made his position clear, urging Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal. He warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences for the group. Hamas has confirmed that it is reviewing the ceasefire proposal but has not disclosed further details of the discussions.
