Katz issues ultimatum to Hamas: the entire city of Gaza will answer

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas that if an Israeli soldier or civilian is kidnapped, the entire population of Gaza City (about one million people) will be evacuated to the southern Gaza Strip. The statement was made amid intelligence reports of possible preparations for a kidnapping. Katz also addressed Iran and Turkey, urging them not to take action against Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to Hamas, stating that if an Israeli soldier or civilian is kidnapped, the entire population of Gaza City, numbering about one million people, will be evacuated to the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The statement came amid intelligence data about possible preparations by Hamas for a new kidnapping. Katz emphasized that even the capture of a single Israeli would be sufficient to trigger large-scale measures. However, the minister did not specify how the evacuation would be organized, which areas would be designated for relocation, or the timeline for implementing the plan. A separate warning was addressed to Iran and Turkey, whom Katz urged not to take actions against Israel, stating: "Don't mess with us." The minister did not report any specific actions from these countries that might follow in connection with the alleged kidnapping preparations.