Israeli defense minister threatens Hamas to be destroyed in case of Witkoff plan rejection

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened the Palestinian radical movement Hamas to be destroyed in case of rejection of the plan proposed by US President’s special envoy Steven Witkoff, Report informs via TASS.

"The Hamas murderers must now choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff deal’ for the release of the hostages, or be destroyed," Katz said on his X page. "The IDF continues its operation in Gaza with full force, striking and dismantling Hamas strongholds, while evacuating the local population from all combat zones and attacking the area from the air, land and sea at an unprecedented scale to ensure maximum protection for our soldiers," he added. "After eliminating the terrorists and clearing the area, the IDF will remove all threats according to the Rafah model, and remain to hold the area," Katz noted.

Hamas confirmed on Friday that it was holding consultations on the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal.