The warning from Defense Minister Israel Katz came after an attack killed an Israeli soldier in Rafah, shattering the truce and triggering a deadly, 15-hour Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister issued a direct threat to the entire leadership of Hamas on Wednesday, warning that none would have immunity after an attack in Gaza killed an Israeli soldier, temporarily collapsing the ceasefire.
“There will be no immunity for anyone in the leadership of the terrorist organization Hamas, neither for those who wear suits nor for those who hide in tunnels,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement, a clear reference to the group’s political leaders in Qatar and its military commanders in Gaza.
The escalation began on Tuesday afternoon when, according to the Israeli military, Hamas fighters ambushed an engineering vehicle in Rafah, killing a soldier. Hamas, however, has denied any involvement in the attack.
In response, Israel launched a 15-hour wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning. The Israeli military stated it “neutralized 30 terrorists” and hit dozens of targets. Palestinian Civil Defense officials in Gaza reported a far higher toll, saying the bombardment killed 100 people, including women and children.
The Israeli military announced that following its offensive, the ceasefire had resumed.
Hamas called on mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, to intervene and stop what it called Israel’s “brutal escalation against the civilian population.”
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