Violating Ceasefire, Israeli Defense Minister Orders Gaza Destruction

Gaza, MINA – Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Saturday ordered the military to continue the destruction in the Gaza Strip under Israeli control, despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement.

“I have instructed the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) to prioritize the destruction of tunnels as the primary task in the yellow zone currently under our control, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of soldiers and communities,” Katz wrote on the social media platform X.

Katz added that this step is being coordinated with senior U.S. officials, including the Vice President, Secretary of State and Defense, the President’s envoy, and CENTCOM commanders, regarding the implementation of President Donald Trump’s plan. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the total destruction of all tunnels and the disarmament of Hamas in the remaining areas.

“Demilitarizing Gaza through the destruction of Hamas tunnels, alongside the disarmament of Hamas, is the most important strategic objective to achieve victory in Gaza,” he said.

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He also stated that the most urgent moral mission is to return all hostages and the bodies of fallen soldiers. “We will do everything to fulfill this sacred and vital mission,” Katz said.

He stressed that the main strategic mission to achieve a decisive victory by the IDF in Gaza is the complete demilitarization of the area by destroying all remaining tunnels—60 percent of which are still intact—and disarming Hamas.

The phased ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, mediated by regional and international parties, went into effect on October 10. The first phase includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. The agreement also covers reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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