Israel Threatens to “Open the Gates of Hell” If Hostages in Gaza Are Not Released

Israel Threatens to “Open the Gates of Hell”

Katz Demands Hostage Release or Warns of Offensive

Ceasefire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Stall

Defense Minister Hardens Stance Amid Ceasefire Deadlock

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned on Wednesday that “the gates of hell will open” in the Gaza Strip if no ceasefire agreement is reached that ensures the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

In a statement released to national media, Katz placed the blame on former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed—whom Israel identifies as his unofficial successor—for “ruining Gaza” and turning it into “a sea of ruins.”

This was reported by EFE.

Israel Threatens to “Open the Gates of Hell”

Israel amenaza con “abrir las puertas del infierno” en Gaza si no hay acuerdo: El gobierno israelí endurece su postura ante estancamiento en las negociaciones y aumento de violencia. https://t.co/7IRERrOBGn

— Forbes México (@Forbes_Mexico) July 23, 2025

The minister also harshly criticized Hamas leaders abroad, accusing them of living “in palaces and luxury hotels.”

This while they refuse to negotiate the release of the hostages.

The statements come amid a new round of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Doha, mediated by Qatar and the United States.

Talks that have made no progress for weeks.

A Ceasefire Dependent on Political Will

Israel vuelve a amenazar con abrir «las puertas del infierno» en Gaza #Cooperativa90 https://t.co/tpQJrLrbYM pic.twitter.com/X6LiOPXyx6

— Cooperativa (@Cooperativa) July 23, 2025

According to the Israeli press, Hamas gave a “disappointing” response to the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who is scheduled to meet this Thursday in Rome with Israeli and Qatari officials.

His possible trip to Doha will depend on the progress of the talks, according to The Times of Israel.

The U.S. proposal includes an initial 60-day truce during which 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased individuals would be released. It is estimated that around 50 people remain kidnapped in Gaza, with Israel believing that 20 of them are still alive.

During that period, both sides would be expected to negotiate a second phase that would involve a total end to the military offensive. If a final agreement is not reached, the truce would be automatically extended as long as negotiations continue.

Hamas Demands Guarantees for End of War

The main obstacle to progress lies in the conditions set by Hamas, which demands strong guarantees that the conflict will end definitively.

This was also one of the reasons the second phase of the previous truce failed, which began on January 19 and was broken after Israel resumed attacks on March 18.

So far, Hamas has not made any public comments about Israel’s latest threats or the response to the new proposal.

With no visible progress, the risk of a new escalation grows every day.