Israel threatens: thunderous hurricane will strike Gaza today

Israel stated it would escalate air strikes on the Gaza Strip today, describing it as a "thunderous hurricane," and gave a final warning to Hamas that it would destroy the area if the group did not release all hostages and surrender, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's demand.

Hamas announced it is studying the new U.S. ceasefire proposal received yesterday, which Trump called the "last chance" for the group.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Today a thunderous hurricane will strike Gaza's skies… This is the final warning: release the hostages and lay down your weapons, or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be wiped out."

His statements came hours before an armed attack at a bus station in Jerusalem that killed seven people and was praised by Hamas.

According to an Israeli official, the U.S. initiative calls for handing over all living hostages and the remaining 48 dead on the first day of the ceasefire, followed by negotiations to end the war.

However, Hamas stressed in a statement that it is ready to immediately negotiate the release of prisoners, provided there is a clear declaration to end the war, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Strip, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage Gaza.

Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said today that Israel is ready to accept U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

Sa’ar said at a press conference with his Hungarian counterpart in Budapest that Israel is prepared to accept a comprehensive agreement to end the war, including the release of prisoners and Hamas laying down its weapons.

ANHA