Israel Katz threatens to evacuate Gaza residents if Hamas abducts Israelis

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that, according to intelligence, Hamas is planning new abductions of Israelis. He warned the group that Israel is prepared to evacuate residents of Gaza City and destroy its infrastructure if Hamas attempts to carry out its plans.

The Times of Israel reported this.

“In light of various intentions and intelligence information, I warn this terrorist organisation and its supporters, from Iran to [Turkish President] Erdoğan: if even one Israeli soldier or civilian is abducted, the entire Gaza City – its one million residents – will be evacuated south,” Katz said.

The minister also threatened to destroy buildings, including residential ones. He did not specify what intelligence information he was referring to.

“This is the language that the jihadist terrorist groups operating in Gaza and Lebanon understand, and this is the language we speak as well: evacuation of the population, destruction of infrastructure and seizure of territory,” Katz stressed.

The publication notes that almost all residents of the Gaza Strip currently live in Gaza City and its surrounding areas. The Israel Defense Forces control most of the Palestinian enclave.