Israe Katz (AFP file photo)

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz on Friday warned that Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas did not accept Israel’s terms.In a post on X, Katz said, “We approved yesterday the IDF’s plans to defeat Hamas in Gaza – with intense firepower, evacuation of residents, and manoeuvres. Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza – until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament. If they do not agree – Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Exactly as I promised – so it shall be.”The warning came a day after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would allow the military to seize the city.The Israeli military has started contacting medical staff and international groups in northern Gaza, urging people to move south. It has also announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of another 20,000. Limited operations are already under way in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood and the Jabaliya refugee camp, targeting areas where Hamas is believed to still hold military and governing control. Unlike earlier offensives, there has been little sign of mass flight by Palestinians. Many residents say there is no safe place left in Gaza. Israel claims it now controls about 75% of the territory.Meanwhile, at least 36 Palestinians were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes across Gaza. Fourteen of them were reportedly seeking humanitarian aid. Witnesses and health officials said Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on people heading to aid sites. The military said it only fired warning shots. Israel has demanded the release of all hostages and Hamas’ complete disarmament before any ceasefire. Hamas, however, says it is ready to release captives if the war ends but refuses to disarm without the creation of a Palestinian state.