Hamas is not afraid to openly challenge Israel. The Jewish state’s “hesitancy” to launch a major ground operation in Gaza following the horrific October 7 attack reflects “a state of confusion and fear” while “the resistance is ready to face the enemy.” Words from Izzat al-Risheq, a member of the Hamas politburo, as quoted by the group’s affiliated Shehab news agency. The statements denounced “the brutal bombing” of the Palestinians and a “war of annihilation” with “American cover.” For the top Hamas official, “starving the people of Gaza and denying them water, electricity and fuel” is a “war crime.”
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a new warning to the people of the northern Gaza Strip, urging them to move to the south of the Palestinian enclave. In what he called an “urgent message for your security,” IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari addressed the “population of Gaza City and northern Gaza Strip” and urged them to “temporarily move to the south.” And “this is not a mere precautionary measure,” but an “urgent appeal for the safety of the civilian population in Gaza.” In a video message shared on the social network, he added that this was “a temporary measure,” explaining that “a return to the North will be possible as soon as hostilities cease.” Hagari concluded by telling the residents of the Gaza Strip: “Hamas is endangering your lives by planting weapons and hiding men in civilian facilities such as schools, mosques and hospitals.” And Israel wants to eliminate this threat in every possible way.
