Israel DM vows ‘total destruction’, ‘displacement’ of Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced ‘total destruction’ and displacement of Gaza if Israeli captives held in the enclave are not returned and Hamas is not removed from power. ‘This is your final warning. The attack by the Air Force against Hamas terrorists were just the first step. The continuation will be much harder. And you will pay the full price,' he told Palestinians trapped in the enclave. This comes a day after Israel relaunched intensive air strikes on Gaza killing more than 400 Palestinians, the vast majority children.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz yesterday threatened Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with “complete destruction” and “displacement” if Israeli captives are not released and Hamas is not removed from power.

In a video message addressed to the residents of Gaza, Katz issued a “final warning” saying the air strikes launched at dawn on Tuesday which killed over 400 Palestinian civilians was “just the beginning”.

“What is coming will be much harsher, and you will pay the full price. Soon, the evacuation of residents from combat zones will resume,” he added.

READ: Israel closes main route from northern Gaza to south despite ceasefire

Katz also called on Palestinians in Gaza to heed the “advice” of US President Donald Trump by “handing over Israeli prisoners and removing Hamas”, in return for opening “other options” including the possibility of leaving the Strip to other locations.

“The alternative is total destruction,” he added.

The Israeli occupation army redeployed its ground troops into central and southern Gaza yesterday, including the strategic Netzarim Axis separating the north of the enclave from its south.

It also closed Salah Al-Din Street, preventing Gazans from moving north, while movement southward remained open.

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