Gaza Ceasefire Deal: First Phase Expires Amid Failed Negotiations
The first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal expired over the weekend, with negotiations for the second phase between Israel and Hamas having collapsed with no positive outcome
A man stands by a fire next to a destroyed house in an area littered with rubble from buildings demolished during the Israeli army’s ground and air offensive against Hamas in Gaza City.
Top Israeli ministers have warned the Palestinian militant group Hamas of severe consequences if it doesn’t release the remaining captives held in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Warns of Severe Consequences for Hamas
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday (March 3) that “the gates of hell will open” for the Gaza-based group.
Notably, the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal expired over the weekend, with negotiations for the second phase between Israel and Hamas having collapsed with no positive outcome.
“Hamas should make no mistake, this is just the beginning. If Hamas does not release the hostages soon, the Gaza gates will be locked and the gates of hell will open,” Katz said while speaking at an event marking 33 years since the death of former prime minister Menachem Begin.
Katz Vows Strong Military Response Against Hamas
“We will return to fighting and [Hamas] will face the IDF with strength and methods that it has not known, until [Hamas] is totally defeated. We will not allow Hamas to rule in Gaza,” Katz added.
Netanyahu’s warning to Hamas
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a similar threat to Hamas on March 3 while addressing the Knesset.
“I tell Hamas: If you do not release our hostages, there will be consequences that you cannot imagine,” Netanyahu said.
Violence Erupts Outside Knesset During Netanyahu’s Speech on Hostages
As he delivered his speech, violence broke out outside the Parliament as families of the hostages urged action to bring their loved ones home and attempted to enter the Knesset.
In his speech, Netanyahu also praised President Donald Trump’s idea to encourage Gazans to relocate from the Strip, calling it “brave and innovative”.
“We must support it. We support it fully,” he said, claiming that many wealthy Gazans had managed to bribe their way out of the territory. “The time has come to give them the freedom to leave. The time has come to give them the freedom to choose,” the Israeli PM said.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of stockpiling supplies while civilians in Gaza faced shortages. His statement followed Israel’s decision to block aid deliveries, citing a deadlock in ceasefire negotiations.
Mencer told reporters that Hamas has stockpiled supplies for its operatives “for months and months” and has “enough food to fuel an obesity epidemic.”
“No one is going hungry in Hamas,” he said. “The supplies are there, but Hamas don’t share.”
(With inputs from agencies)
