According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Gazzans must stand up and “request Hamas to be expelled,” and they called for civilian rebellion, warning that Hamas leaders would be willing to “burn half of Gaza” in order to maintain power.
Speaking on Wednesday ahead of the planned Israeli Defence Force (IDF) operation in the Gaza Strip's additional sector, Katz issued a dull call to civilians: evacuating the combat zone, opposed to Hamas and calling for the release of Israeli hostages.
“The IDF will soon be enacted in additional areas of Gaza, and you will need to be evacuated… for your protection,” he announced, stressing that continuing resistance against Hamas could help end the conflict, pointing to the recent civilian protests in the town's Beit Rahiya as a model of broader action.
Katz chose Hamas leaders Yahya and Mohamed Singhwar to blame, saying that the group's commander-in-chief was insulated from suffering while ordinary Gazaans were in ruins.
“The first Singwar, Yahiya Singwar, has already destroyed Gaza,” he said. “[Mohammed] He is ready to burn half of Gaza with his own hands, in an attempt to maintain corrupt rules along with his fellow Hamas murderers and rapists. ”
He denounced the group's leadership of hiding in enriched tunnels and luxury hotels enriched with foreign accounts, while using the Gaza people as human shields.
“Hamas murderer,” he said, “sitting safely… there are billions of foreign bank accounts,” but civilians are “used as hostages.”
The defense minister highlighted the growing frustration in Gaza, pointing to the rare protest that exploded on Tuesday.
“Just like them,” Katz urged, “I would like to request the removal of Hamas from Gaza and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages.”
“This is the only way to stop the war,” he concluded.
His comments come as Gazan continues as the IDF prepares to expand its pre-approved military campaign demonstration He raised white flags and chanted anti-Hamas slogans throughout the coastal enclaves, calling for peace, press coverage, and the release of Israeli hostages.
This scene shows some of the biggest and most open protests against terrorist organizations since the start of the war with Israel in October 2023.
Historically, Hamas has responded to anti-government protests with swift and often violent crackdowns. The Iran-backed terrorist group that seized control of Gaza in 2007 has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US and the European Union.
However, these latest protests have shown an increase in despair among ordinary Gazans, many of whom now appear to be willing to speak out despite the risks. As one protester questioned, “How can we remain immobilized when we are dead and bleeding?”
Gaza unrest appears as Israel strengthens its efforts to dismantle Hamas leaders following the October 7 massacre, the deadliest terrorist attack in Israeli history, as it deepens its instability in coastal enclaves. Recently, Israeli forces have quickly and in succession eliminated multiple senior Hamas officials, exposing fractures within the group's internal governance, and forced their operatives into survival mode.
Meanwhile, President Trump's new vision for Gaza entails voluntary resettlement and economic revival — has gained traction, indicating that more than half of Gaza people have expressed their desire to leave.
The setting is set for future historic changes in the region as Hamas struggles to maintain control and protesters demand changes from within.
Katz's recent comments reflect Israel's evolving strategy, targeting Hamas to grasp Gaza beyond military operations. While public protests in Gaza take a great risk under Hamas regulations, recent demonstrations have attracted attention from Israeli officials seeking signs of grassroots unrest.
With plans for further IDF activities already in motion, Katz's remarks suggest an intensifying campaign in both the battlefield and the battle for public sentiment within Gaza.
Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at jklein@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter @joshuaklein
