Katz to Palestinians in Gaza: Release Prisoners and We Will Expel You, or Face ‘Total Devastation’
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a severe threat to Palestinians in Gaza. He demanded the release of all Israeli prisoners. In return, Israel would expel native Palestinians from Gaza. If this demand is not met, he threatened unprecedented military force.
“This is your final warning,” Katz declared. He claimed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar destroyed Gaza and warned of even harsher consequences. “The Israeli Air Force’s strikes were just the first step, and you will bear the full cost” he said.
Katz also promoted Trump’s proposal of ethnic cleansing, promising native Palestinians of “relocation.”
“Take the advice of the U.S. President”, he said. “Return the hostages and kick out Hamas, and new options will open up for you—including relocation to other parts of the world for those who choose. The alternative is destruction and total devastation.”
Since Tuesday morning, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 400 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. The Israeli attacks marked the collapse of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal that had begun on January 19, 2025. The first phase ended on March 1, 2025, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to proceed with the second phase.
Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court, sought to free more Israeli prisoners without fulfilling Israel’s commitments, including ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza. Hamas insisted on implementing the full agreement.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations, backed by the United States, have killed and wounded over 161,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. More than 14,000 people remain missing under the rubble.
