Hamas Condemns Katz’s Assassination Threat Against Khalil Al-Hayya as ‘State Terrorism

Gaza, MINA – The Hamas Movement has condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s threat to assassinate its political leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, describing the remarks as “organized state terrorism” and saying they would not deter the movement from pursuing Palestinian rights.

In a statement issued Sunday, Hamas said Katz’s remarks reflected what it described as the political failure of the Israeli government and its extremist ministers. The movement stressed that threats against its leaders would not change its political position or its commitment to resisting the Israeli occupation.

Hamas said the threats would instead strengthen its leadership’s determination to maintain its stance. It called on international mediators to condemn Katz’s remarks and pressure the Israeli government to fulfill its obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the roadmap sponsored by US President Donald Trump.

The movement also reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, demanding an end to Israeli military attacks and the lifting of the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people.

Earlier Sunday, Katz threatened to assassinate Al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s political bureau, while criticizing Türkiye for its support of the Palestinian movement, according to remarks reported by Israeli media.

Katz accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of continuing to welcome individuals he described as Hamas “killers and attackers.” He also alleged that Ankara supported activities carried out by Hamas in cooperation with the Muslim Brotherhood against Israel and other countries in the region.

The Israeli minister went on to threaten Al-Hayya directly, saying Israel had not finished targeting Hamas leaders.

“We have killed Hamas leaders in Gaza, and Al-Hayya’s turn will come as well. He will be sent to join Haneyya and his friends in the depths of hell,” Katz said, according to the reported remarks.

His statement referred to Ismail Haneyya, the former Hamas political leader who was assassinated in Tehran in July 2024.

The latest exchange comes amid continuing disputes over the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which took effect in October 2025. Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the agreement through continued military operations and threats against Palestinian leaders, while Israel has accused Hamas of violating the truce.

Katz’s threat has raised further concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and the prospects for continued negotiations. Israel has previously targeted senior Hamas figures, including Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi in 2004, as well as Haneyya in 2024.

Hamas has called on international mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, to pressure Israel to honor its ceasefire commitments. The movement has also demanded an end to Israeli military attacks, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The latest rhetoric adds to tensions surrounding efforts to maintain the ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Calls for de-escalation and renewed negotiations continue amid uncertainty over the agreement’s implementation and the prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)