According to TASS, he said that if Hamas rejected the ceasefire plan proposed by US President Steven Witkoff's special advisor, the force would be completely eliminated.
On his personal X page, Mr. Katz wrote: Hamas now has to choose: Accept the terms of the Witkoff plan to release hostages, or be destroyed.
He also emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are continuing military operations in the Gaza Strip with all their strength, including airstrikes and attacks on land and sea on an unprecedented scale to provide maximum protection for Israeli soldiers.
According to Mr. Katz, after destroying the armed elements and clearing the area, the IDF will eliminate all threats according to the model applied in Rafah and maintain presence to control the area.
Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed it is conducting internal consultations on the latest proposal related to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Accordingly, the new plan proposes a 60-day ceasefire, in which Hamas will have to release 10 surplus hostages and return the bodies of the 18 dead hostages to Israel. The plan also includes the Israeli Defense Forces temporarily suspending military operations on land, and Israeli fighter jets will not conduct flights in Gaza for about 10-12 hours per day.
In addition, humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip will be significantly expanded. US President Donald Trump is expected to ensure Israel complies with the ceasefire within 60 days.
Israel's tough statements and international pressure on Hamas suggest the situation in the Gaza Strip is at a decisive crossroads. If Hamas reject the proposal, the prospect of escalating a large-scale conflict in the region could become a reality.
