Israel approves military plans against Hamas in Gaza

On August 22, the Israeli government announced approved military plans to defeat Hamas in Gaza, involving intensive air and ground operations, coordinated IDF manoeuvres, and the evacuation of civilians.

According to Caliber.Az, Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on X: “Soon, the gates of hell will open over the heads of Hamas’s murderers in Gaza — until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, foremost among them the release of all hostages and the dismantling of their weapons.”

The Prime Minister added that if Hamas refuses to comply, “Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will be reduced to the level of Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Just as I promised — this is exactly what will happen.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had ordered negotiations for the release of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza “on terms acceptable to Israel.”

The Israeli military still intends to advance plans to take control of Gaza City, Netanyahu said. In a video recorded Thursday ahead of a high-level security meeting, he stated: “We are at the decisive stage,” adding that “defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages go hand in hand.”

This marks Netanyahu’s first public comments on Gaza war ceasefire talks since Hamas responded positively earlier this week to a proposal from mediators in Qatar and Egypt. He did not specify to whom he issued the order or mention the current proposal framework, which calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the partial release of hostages.

Israeli officials estimate 50 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed alive. Netanyahu has emphasised that Israel seeks a comprehensive deal to secure the release of all hostages and meet its conditions for ending the war.

By Aghakazim Guliyev