by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – With the ceasefire on the brink of collapse, signs are emerging that the war in Gaza will intensify in an unprecedented manner. Israeli Defense Minister warned that the “gates of hell will open” against Hamas if the remaining hostages are not released. Officials have estimated that, without an agreement between Israel and Hamas, fighting in Gaza could resume within about a week and a half.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas, saying, “Hamas should make no mistake, this is just the beginning. If Hamas does not release the hostages soon, the Gaza gates will be locked and the gates of hell will open.”
He added, “We will return to fighting and [Hamas] will face the IDF with strength and methods that it has not known, until [Hamas] is totally defeated. We will not allow Hamas to rule in Gaza.”
Meanwhile, incoming IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir has called a meeting with senior military officials at the Southern Command for Friday, two days after he will assume command.
The meeting’s location underscores Gaza’s focus in the next stage of the IDF’s military strategy. Also, in response to the IDF’s failures on October 7, 2023, Zamir is anticipated to replace several top officials.
The Israeli government is reportedly planning to gradually increase pressure on Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase in order to secure the release of more hostages, according to a report from Israeli public broadcaster Kan.
Earlier this week, Israel announced the cessation of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.
“There will be no free meals,” Netanyahu said, referring to the decision to halt humanitarian aid. “If Hamas thinks it can continue the ceasefire, or enjoy the terms of Phase A, without us receiving hostages – it is gravely mistaken.”
Netanyahu further explained that “Hamas is currently seizing all the supplies and goods sent to the Gaza Strip. It abuses the Gazan population trying to access the aid, shoots at them, and turns humanitarian aid into a terror budget directed against us. We will not agree to this under any circumstances.”
The next stages of Israel’s “maximum pressure” plan, according to the Kan report, include relocating the population from northern Gaza to the south, further demolishing infrastructure in the north, and eventually cutting all electricity to the Strip.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen is planning to demand that Israel halt its electricity supply to the Gaza Strip at the upcoming cabinet meeting, according to a report by Israel’s News14 on Monday.
Gaza currently depends on Israeli electricity and gasoline-powered generators. If Israel cuts the supply, the Strip would quickly plunge into near-total darkness, unable to meet its energy needs independently.
Meanwhile as Hamas continues to stall negotiations, relations between Washington and Jerusalem continue to grow stronger.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump in a video message released on Sunday, calling him the Jewish state’s greatest ally in the White House.
Netanyahu praised Trump for his strong support in three key areas: presenting a “visionary plan” for Gaza, expediting the delivery of withheld munitions, and pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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