Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has called on Gazans to rise up and demand the expulsion of Hamas, warning that the terrorist group’s leadership is willing to “burn half of Gaza” to maintain power. His remarks came Wednesday as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepared for expanded military operations in the region.
Addressing civilians ahead of the intensified IDF campaign, Katz urged residents to evacuate combat zones, oppose Hamas rule, and press for the release of Israeli hostages. He pointed to recent anti-Hamas protests in Beit Lahiya as a sign of growing civilian defiance.
Katz condemned Hamas leaders Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar, accusing them of hiding in fortified tunnels while ordinary Gazans suffer. He stated that Hamas’s top officials live in luxury and control foreign bank accounts worth billions, while using civilians as human shields.
His comments follow rare public demonstrations against Hamas, with Gazans waving white flags and chanting anti-Hamas slogans. The protests, among the most significant since the war began in October 2023, highlight growing desperation among residents. Historically, Hamas has responded to dissent with violent crackdowns.
The unrest comes as Israel intensifies efforts to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 massacre, the deadliest terrorist attack in Israeli history. Recent Israeli military actions have eliminated multiple senior Hamas officials, exposing fractures within the organization’s leadership.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s proposed vision for Gaza—emphasizing voluntary resettlement and economic revival—has gained traction. Polls indicate that more than half of Gazans express a desire to leave the territory.
Katz’s statements suggest that Israel’s strategy now extends beyond military operations to undermining Hamas’s rule through public dissent. As the IDF prepares for further action, Gaza’s internal protests may signal a historic shift in the region’s future.
