Israel threatens a ‘hurricane’ of strikes on Gaza unless Hamas surrenders
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Israel has announced it will intensify its airstrikes on Gaza in a “mighty hurricane” on Monday as a final warning to Hamas to release all hostages and surrender, or face total destruction.
The warning comes after the latest ceasefire proposal from the United States, which Hamas is currently reviewing.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on X, “A mighty hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City today, and the roofs of the terror towers will shake.” He added, “This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in the luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weapons — or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated.”
The threat came ahead of reports of a deadly shooting at a Jerusalem bus stop that left six people dead, including one Spanish citizen. Hamas praised the attack.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombed a 12-floor building in Gaza City where dozens of displaced families were living. The IDF claimed that Hamas militants had used the building for intelligence gathering and planning attacks. They had been urged to evacuate before the bombing.
A senior Israeli official confirmed that the latest US proposal demands Hamas return all 48 remaining hostages — both living and dead — on the first day of a ceasefire, with further negotiations to follow. Hamas has stated it wants a clear announcement ending the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces before agreeing to release hostages.
The offensive in Gaza City escalated as Israeli forces shelled multiple neighborhoods, detonating old armored vehicles packed with explosives. The air and ground attacks targeted Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, and Tuffah. At least 25 Palestinians were killed on Monday, including Osama Balousha, a journalist working for Palestinian media. Fifteen more were killed in other strikes and gunfire, bringing the death toll to at least 40.
Palestinian authorities report nearly 250 journalists have died in Gaza during the conflict — making it the deadliest war for media in modern history. Israel denies targeting journalists, though all killed have been Palestinians since foreign reporters are barred from entering Gaza.
The ongoing assault has devastated Gaza, leaving thousands dead and much of the enclave in ruins. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been confirmed dead, according to Gaza’s health officials.
Starvation is spreading rapidly, with six more Palestinians — including two children — dying of malnutrition in just 24 hours. The total starvation-related deaths now stand at 393, mostly in the past two months. Israel, which controls Gaza’s supply routes, disputes these figures and attributes deaths to other causes.
Efforts to end the war have stalled repeatedly, with Israel demanding that Hamas surrender and free all hostages before negotiations proceed. Hamas continues to insist that it will not disarm until Palestinians are granted statehood.
US President Donald Trump recently suggested a breakthrough deal may be near, but details remain scarce. An Israeli official confirmed that the proposal is being seriously considered.
