Israel to Gazans: Oust Hamas, free hostages or you’ll be forced to move

Defense minister encourages Gazans to continue anti-Hamas protests, says the terror group being stripped of power is “the only way to stop the war.”

By Lauren Marcus, World Israel News 

Defense Minister Israel Katz called on Gazans to force Hamas out of the Strip, warning that the war will intensify until the terror group is ousted and the hostages still held in the coastal enclave are freed.

“The IDF will soon operate forcefully in additional areas in Gaza, and you will be required to evacuate and lose more and more territory. The plans are already approved,” Katz said in a message on X, addressed to residents of the Strip.

“Learn from the residents of Beit Lahiya: Demand the removal of Hamas from Gaza and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages. This is the only way to stop the war,” he continued.

Katz stressed that Hamas and especially its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, were responsible for the suffering of Gazans due to the war following October 7. Sinwar was replaced by his brother, Mohammed, who has refused to cede Hamas’ control of the territory.

“The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza, and the second Sinwar is ready to burn half of Gaza with his own hands just to try and maintain his corrupt rule alongside his fellow Hamas murderers and rapists,” Katz said. “Hamas is putting your lives at risk, causing you to lose your homes and more and more territory that will be integrated into Israel’s defense formation.”

Several members of the Netanyahu government have threatened that for each hostage Hamas continues to hold, the IDF will conquer several kilometers of Gazan territory that would be added to an ever-expanding buffer zone under Israeli control.

In recent days, Gazans have taken to the streets to protest against Hamas and demand an end to the war with Israel.

Hamas has long used deadly force to silence its critics within the coastal enclave, including murdering dissident journalists and those who criticize the terror group’s rule on social media.