Netanyahu Threatens Gaza Seizure, Hamas Warns Hostages To Return In Coffins If Israel Uses Force

Hamas has warned that Israeli hostages could be killed if Israel attempts a forceful rescue or continues air strikes in Gaza. The group claims it is trying to keep captives alive despite Israeli bombardment, but issued a stark threat: “Every time the occupation attempts to retrieve its captives by force, it ends up bringing them back in coffins.” Israel has intensified air strikes and ground operations in Gaza, breaking a ceasefire with Hamas. Meanwhile, the Israeli military intercepted a rocket from Gaza, while another landed near the border. In a rare protest against Hamas, hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza chanted, “Out, out, Hamas get out,” and held banners saying “Enough wars.” Hamas official Basem Naim dismissed the demonstrations as being driven by “suspicious political agendas,” while the rival Fatah party urged Hamas to step down from governance in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to seize Palestinian territories if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages. Of the 251 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, 58 are still in Gaza, with 34 believed to be dead. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the longer Hamas holds them, “the more territory it will lose.” Meanwhile, anti-government protests in Israel have intensified, with Netanyahu accusing the opposition of fueling “anarchy.” Demonstrators gathered outside the Knesset and Netanyahu’s residence, demanding the government prioritise hostage negotiations over judicial reforms. In the military sphere, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited Haifa’s naval base, highlighting the navy’s strategic role in defence and offensive operations. The IDF also conducted a reservist call-up drill, testing emergency response times.HAMAS FACES RARE PROTESTSNETANYAHU THREATENS ‘SEIZURE’ OF PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES“OPPOSITION FUELLING ANARCHY” n18oc_crux