Date: May 31, 2025
Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the militant group accept the latest ceasefire proposal or face complete “annihilation.” His remarks come amid heightened international pressure to halt the months-long conflict in Gaza, which has claimed thousands of lives and left the region in ruins.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, Katz emphasized that Israel has shown restraint and engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations, but its patience is wearing thin.
“Hamas must understand that they are at a crossroads,” Katz said. “Either they accept the ceasefire and return the hostages or we will intensify our military operations until their total annihilation.”
Escalation or Resolution?
The comments come just days after U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators submitted a new ceasefire framework aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and halting Israel’s military offensive. While Israel has conditionally agreed to the deal, Hamas has yet to formally respond.
Sources close to the negotiations say the proposed truce includes a phased cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the sticking point remains Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
Katz’s warning signals a growing frustration within the Israeli government, particularly among hardliners who view the ceasefire process as increasingly one-sided.
Military Pressure Continues
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have maintained their ground and air campaigns in Gaza, focusing recently on the southern city of Rafah, a key Hamas stronghold. Despite international calls for restraint, Israeli officials argue that Hamas continues to use civilian areas to hide weapons and command centers.
“The IDF will not stop until Hamas’s military infrastructure is dismantled,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. “We will continue to operate with precision, but we are prepared to escalate if diplomatic efforts fail.”
The humanitarian toll of the conflict remains staggering. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, with many more wounded or displaced. Israeli officials claim hundreds of Hamas fighters are among the dead, though those figures remain contested.
International Calls for Ceasefire
The United Nations and several world leaders have expressed concern over Katz’s remarks, urging both parties to de-escalate. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has played a key role in the mediation efforts, reiterated that “there is no military solution to this conflict.”
“Threats of annihilation only serve to deepen mistrust and prolong suffering,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. “We call on both parties to seize the opportunity for peace and avoid further catastrophe.”
What’s Next?
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Hamas’s leadership and their decision regarding the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, tensions continue to simmer on multiple fronts, with skirmishes reported near the Lebanon-Israel border and rocket fire from Gaza targeting southern Israeli towns.
With the clock ticking, the fate of the ceasefire—and the future of Gaza—now hinges on Hamas’s next move. If Katz’s words are any indication, Israel is preparing for either path: diplomacy or devastating escalation.