Katz says phase one of ceasefire ‘complete,’ Hamas will not remain in control of Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz says phase one of the ceasefire “is complete” and that Israel seeks to bring back more hostages from Gaza.

“We have returned 25 hostages alive, including female soldiers. This was not the case in earlier negotiations, where the numbers discussed were 10 or 12. We also brought back eight deceased people. We aim to bring them all back,” he says at a conference of regional council heads.

He asserts that “the most effective way to ensure this is for Hamas to know that the IDF is ready to return to war. That is the truth.” Katz says Israel did not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza because of a shortage of ammunition or soldier fatigue. We agreed to a ceasefire for one reason only — to bring back the hostages, both alive and deceased. That is our top priority, our moral obligation, and our mutual responsibility, and we will continue to act accordingly.”

But he stresses that Hamas “will not remain in control of Gaza, neither civilly nor militarily. This will not happen because it cannot happen.”

He adds that if Trump’s plan to encourage Palestinian emigration materializes, “I am rapidly advancing the establishment of a voluntary immigration administration to allow those who wish to leave Gaza to do so via Ashdod Port or Ramon Airport.”