Israel to Hamas: accept Gaza hostage deal or be ‘annihilated'
Israel on Friday said Hamas must accept a hostage deal in Gaza or 'be annihilated', as US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement was 'very close'.
It came amid dire conditions on the ground, with the UN warning that Gaza's entire population was at risk of famine.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Hamas must agree to a ceasefire proposal presented by
US envoy Steve Witkoff or be destroyed, after the Palestinian militant group said the deal failed to satisfy its demands.
'The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accept the terms of the 'Witkoff Deal' for the release of the hostages – or be annihilated.'
Israel has repeatedly said that the destruction of Hamas was a key aim of the war.
Palestinians wait in long queues to receive pots of food distributed by charitable organizations in Nuseirat Palestinian refugee camp. Photo: dpa
Negotiations to end nearly 20 months of
war in Gaza have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough, with Israel resuming operations in March following a short-lived truce.
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