Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz referred to Egypt as the “largest and most powerful Arab country,” adding that the “peace agreement took it out of the circle of war with a decision that changed history.”
In a statement during an event commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Katz threatened Hamas that if it does not release the hostages soon “We will return to fighting until a complete resolution is achieved, and we will close the gates of Gaza and open the gates of hell.”
Katz said that Israel agreed to the ceasefire mediator requests to extend the indirect negotiations with Hamas for several additional days.
He added that the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip has been halted during this period.
Katz warned Hamas against the “consequences of not complying with Israeli demands,” and said, “Hamas should make no mistake,” otherwise “Its militants will meet the army with a force they have never seen before.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
