Hamas faces looming threat of destruction if they do not surrender, according to recent Israeli warnings
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions have reached a new high following a series of recent developments.
The United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, has expressed horror at the open use of genocidal rhetoric by senior Israeli officials. This alarming statement comes as the international community is growing increasingly concerned about the escalating violence.
The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas in October 2023, which has resulted in a significant loss of life. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, the attack claimed the lives of 1,219 people, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that has reportedly killed at least 64,522 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the recent attack in East Jerusalem strengthens Israel's determination to fight terrorism. This determination was evident in the Israeli military's operations in Gaza City, which resulted in at least 48 deaths in Gaza on Sunday and 10 more overnight.
In a bid to de-escalate the situation, Hamas has expressed readiness for immediate talks. They have stated their desire for a clear declaration of the end of the war, a full withdrawal from Gaza, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage Gaza. However, Israel has demanded that the militant group release all hostages at once, a demand that Hamas has thus far refused to meet.
The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has issued a warning to Hamas, stating that if they do not lay down their arms and release hostages, Gaza will be destroyed and they will be annihilated. Katz also announced that a "massive hurricane" would hit Gaza City, and the military is preparing to expand operations.
The situation is further complicated by media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas, making it difficult for independent verification of the tolls and details provided by the civil defense agency or the Israeli military.
In an attempt to mediate the conflict, US President Donald Trump has issued a series of warnings to Hamas, urging them to cooperate in resolving the conflict amid escalating violence. Trump stated that the Israelis have accepted his terms for a deal and urged Hamas to do the same. The White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week.
However, the conflict has sparked international outrage. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced measures to stop what he called the "genocide in Gaza", sparking a furious reaction from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who accused Spain of being part of an "antisemitic campaign".
As the conflict continues, the international community is urging both parties to find a peaceful resolution and to respect international law. The fate of the hostages and the civilians caught in the crossfire remains uncertain.
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