From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
In ‘final warning’ to Gazans, Katz says evacuations from combat zones will start soon
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Gazans that Israel will soon issue evacuation orders for combat zones in the Strip, as the military returns to fighting against Hamas.
“Gaza residents, this is a final warning. The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza and the second Sinwar will completely destroy it,” Katz says, referring to the slain leader of the terror group, Yahya Sinwar, and his brother, Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas military commander who is still presumed to be alive.
“The Air Force strikes against Hamas terrorists were just the first step. It will become much more difficult and you will pay the full price,” he says.
“The evacuation of the population from combat zones will soon begin again,” Katz warns.
Katz says that if the hostages are not released and Hamas is not removed from Gaza, “Israel will operate with strength you have not yet seen.”
“Take the US president’s advice. Return the hostages and remove Hamas, and other options will open for you, including leaving for other places in the world for those who want to,” he says.
“The alternative is absolute destruction,” Katz adds.
The Times of Israel Community.