Israel's defence minister has warned that 'the gates of hell will soon open up' on Hamas if it does not accept a peace deal on the country's terms.
In a post on X, Israel Katz said: 'Soon the gates of hell will open for the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza, until they accept the conditions set by Israel for ending the war.'
He added: 'If they do not accept, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah or Beit Hanoun.'
His comments come after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered talks to free all remaining hostages in Gaza, even as he vowed to push ahead with plans for a major military assault on the region.
On Thursday, warplanes and helicopters flew over Gaza City, striking buildings throughout the day, while artillery fire targeted Shejaiya in the east and Sabra in the south, according to residents.
