Israel's Defence Minister says military operations against Hamas to continue until surrender

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has warned that military operations against Hamas will continue until the group surrenders.

Katz posted the statement on X, asserting that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will intensify their operations until Hamas complies with Israel’s conditions for ending the conflict, which include the release of all hostages and the group’s disarmament.

“IDF actions will escalate until Hamas accepts Israel’s terms for ending the war — including the liberation of all hostages and complete disarmament — or they will be destroyed,” Katz said.

On September 4, Hamas announced its willingness to release all hostages held in the Gaza Strip as part of a comprehensive agreement with Israel.

The deal would involve the release of Palestinian prisoners, an end to the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the reopening of crossings to support reconstruction.

The announcement follows a proposal submitted to Israel via mediators on August 18 and comes amid Israel’s preparations for a potential operation in Gaza.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also called on Hamas to release 20 Israeli hostages immediately in exchange for a ceasefire.

By Aghakazim Guliyev