Jerusalem, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has issued a strong warning indicating that Israel will intensify its military actions in Gaza if Hamas does not reach an agreement for the release of hostages soon.
In a public address, Gallant stated that if Hamas does not allow for the release of Israeli hostages, the group would encounter "blows of an intensity not seen in Gaza for a long time." He stressed that Israel's military efforts will escalate and intensify against militant positions in Gaza until the hostages are liberated and Hamas is eliminated.
Negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, are currently at a standstill due to significant disagreements, including the future of the ceasefire, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
While Hamas aims to extend the truce, Israel maintains its right to resume military operations if it feels a security risk is present. Another contentious issue is Hamas's request for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which Israel opposes, emphasizing the necessity of a sustained military presence for security control.
The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, led to the abduction of around 250 civilians and soldiers, with about 100 still believed to be held captive in Gaza.
The following Israeli military operation has had catastrophic consequences for the Gaza Strip, leading to extensive destruction, widespread hunger, and diseases, claiming at least 45,540 lives, according to health officials in Gaza.
On December 29, militants in the Gaza Strip launched approximately five rockets at southern Israel, according to the Israeli military.
The rockets triggered air raid sirens in the city of Sderot and nearby communities. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In a statement, the military reported that two of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-rocket system, while the others "likely fell in open areas." This incident marked the second day in a row of projectiles being fired from the besieged enclave as the Israeli offensive persists. The two long-range rockets launched from Gaza toward the Jerusalem area the previous day were also intercepted.
