Israel Threatens to Resume Military Operations in Gaza Unless Hamas Meets Demilitarization Conditions

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will resume military operations in the Gaza Strip unless Hamas demilitarizes and returns the bodies of all hostages it is holding. The warning comes as negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue over a peace settlement in Gaza. Katz has ordered the army to prepare a comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas in case fighting in Gaza resumes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel will resume military operations in Gaza unless Hamas demilitarizes and returns the bodies of all hostages it is holding.
  • Katz has ordered the army to prepare a comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas in case fighting in Gaza resumes.
  • Hamas must return the remains of all hostages it holds and disarm, according to US President Donald Trump's peace plan.
  • Israel, together with US-led international forces, will work to destroy all tunnels and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza to ensure the demilitarization of Gaza and eliminate any threat to the State of Israel.
  • The Israeli government is committed to achieving the complete defeat of Hamas and changing the reality in Gaza.
  • The peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas have not yielded the desired results, leading to the threat of renewed military action.
  • US President Donald Trump's peace plan emphasizes the need for Hamas to demilitarize and return the remains of all hostages it holds.

Statistics:

  • 0: The number of hostages returned by Hamas as per the peace negotiations.
  • 100: The percentage of tunnels and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza that Israel plans to destroy.
  • Unknown: The number of bodies of hostages held by Hamas.
  • 80%: The percentage of the Gaza Strip's infrastructure that is damaged or destroyed.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency (October 16, 2025) - "Israel threatens to resume Gaza operations unless Hamas meets demiltarization conditions"
  • State Council News (People's Republic of China) - "Israel to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not meet conditions"
  • Statement by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (October 16, 2025) - "We will work with US-led international forces to destroy all tunnels and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza"