As Israeli forces advance into Gaza City with tanks and air cover, Defense Minister Israel Katz declares that capturing the terror group’s “military and symbolic capital” will crush Hamas and force real concessions in hostage talks.
The Saudi al-Hadath news network reported Monday evening that Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip continued unabated, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. According to the report, IDF tanks pushed toward the Sabara neighborhood in Gaza City under heavy aerial cover, intensifying the battle for the Strip’s most strategic stronghold.
At the same time, Hamas’s so-called “Ministry of Health” claimed 20 Palestinian Arabs had been killed since midnight, as clashes escalated around Gaza City.
Why Gaza City Matters
Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at a Gaza Division command conference, framed Gaza City as the key to victory:
“The focus on Gaza City stems from its status as a military, governmental, and symbolic center. That is where the leadership is located and where Hamas’s main infrastructure remains. The capture of Gaza City will bring about Hamas’s defeat.”
Katz noted that for weeks, Hamas refused to discuss hostage deals—even with pressure from Turkey and Qatar. But now, with IDF forces closing in, Hamas is at the table.
“The reason is clear: their fear that we are serious about conquering Gaza has brought them to negotiations,” he said.
Military and Diplomacy Intertwined
Katz emphasized that the government’s decisions are a fusion of battlefield and political strategy.
“The military effort the IDF is leading aims to achieve war objectives in coordination with diplomatic measures advanced with the U.S. and regional partners. Military strength creates leverage—leverage that can shape diplomacy.”
The Ceasefire Proposal on the Table
Reports in Arab media confirmed Hamas’s positive response to the latest Egyptian-Qatari plan, which reportedly includes:
- The release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies.
- The entry of humanitarian aid via the UN, Red Crescent, and international groups.
- A 60-day ceasefire, during which negotiations on ending the war would begin.
Trump’s Backing
Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump stood firmly behind Israel’s military push, warning:
“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed.”
