Middle East

Israeli Defense Chief Warns Gaza City Could Face Rafah Fate Unless Hamas Disarms, Frees Hostages

Israel has called up 60,000 reservists and extended service for 20,000 more, as the Gaza offensive enters a new phase.
Israeli Defense Chief Warns Gaza City Could Face Rafah Fate Unless Hamas Disarms, Frees Hostages
Palestinians look at aid packages that are airdropped over Gaza, in Gaza City, on Aug. 8, 2025. Mahmoud Issa/Reuters
Evgenia Filimianova
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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Gaza City could face destruction similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun if the terrorist group Hamas does not disarm and release hostages held since October 2023.

Katz said the government had approved Israel Defense Forces (IDF) plans to defeat Hamas in Gaza, involving “intense fire, evacuation of residents, and manoeuvring.”

Evgenia Filimianova
Evgenia Filimianova
Author
Evgenia Filimianova is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in foreign policy, economy, and UK politics.