Israeli defence chief demands military plan for total destruction of Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to draft a comprehensive plan for the "total destruction" of the Palestinian Hamas movement if the group does not release hostages before US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.

On January 9, Katz convened a meeting with top Israel Defence Forces (IDF) officials, including Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, to address the situation.

“If the hostage deal is not implemented by the time of Trump's inauguration, there must be a complete defeat of Hamas in the Gaza Strip,” Katz stated, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

He instructed the IDF to devise a plan addressing potential obstacles, including humanitarian and logistical challenges, that might hinder such an operation.

However, Katz emphasized that strategic decisions should remain under the purview of Israel’s political leadership. He warned against engaging in a “war of attrition” that could prolong the conflict without conclusively defeating Hamas or ending hostilities in the region.

Meanwhile, Hamas has confirmed participating in a new round of talks with Israel in Doha, Qatar. According to media reports, the Palestinian group has agreed to an arrangement involving the release of 34 hostages.

Trump’s inauguration is set for January 20, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly declined an invitation to attend the ceremony.

By Tamilla Hasanova