Israeli Defense Minister Issues Ultimatum to Hamas: Accept US Ceasefire Deal or Face “Total Destruction”
Israeli DM Katz warns Hamas: Accept US ceasefire deal or face annihilation. Threat follows Israel's endorsement of Witkoff proposal for hostage release. Katz vows to expand 'Rafah model' operations across Gaza, saying IDF will clear and hold territory until Hamas is defeated.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has escalated his rhetoric against Hamas, declaring that the group must accept the US-brokered ceasefire and hostage release proposal or face comprehensive annihilation in the Gaza Strip.
The stark warning, issued Friday, marks a critical junction in the months-long conflict as pressure mounts on both sides to halt the violence and reach a diplomatic resolution. The statement follows Israel’s endorsement of a plan put forward by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, aimed at securing a ceasefire and the return of hostages held by Hamas.
Israel Cites ‘Rafah Model’ for Ongoing Gaza Operation
In a statement the Defense Minister underscored the scale and intensity of current military operations in Gaza:
“The IDF continues its operation in Gaza with full force, striking and dismantling Hamas strongholds, while evacuating the local population from all combat zones and attacking the area from the air, land and sea at an unprecedented scale to ensure maximum protection for our soldiers.”
Katz affirmed that Israeli forces are following the “Rafah model”—a reference to the recent offensive in southern Gaza where Israeli troops seized and flattened large swathes of territory. He asserted that once Hamas operatives are eliminated and the zones cleared, Israel will maintain a lasting presence in the area.
“After eliminating the terrorists and clearing the area, the IDF will remove all threats according to the Rafah model, and remain to hold the area,” Katz declared, hinting at long-term Israeli control over captured parts of Gaza.
‘Hamas Must Choose: Peace or Obliteration’
Katz emphasized that Israel's strategic objectives remain unchanged: the complete defeat of Hamas and the unconditional release of all hostages.
“This way, we will achieve the objectives of the war: The release of all hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”
Referring to the proposal advanced by US envoy Witkoff, which Israel has reportedly accepted, Katz made clear the choice now rests with Hamas.
“The Hamas murderers must now choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff deal’ for the release of the hostages, or be destroyed.”
A Dangerous Crossroads
The statement comes amid international efforts to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a ceasefire, as Hamas had expressed reservations over a similar deal last week, labeling it insufficient and a “perpetuation of the occupation.” The group is reportedly consulting with other Palestinian factions before issuing a formal response.
Friday’s threat from Israel signals a narrowing of diplomatic space and a potential for further escalation unless the Witkoff proposal gains traction. The Israeli government appears increasingly prepared to entrench its military control over Gaza—a development that risks triggering wider regional repercussions.
The United States, which has spearheaded recent diplomatic overtures, has yet to publicly comment on Katz’s ultimatum. However, White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt confirmed earlier this week that Israel had approved the Witkoff plan before it was formally relayed to Hamas.
