Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Monday that Hamas must not cross the so-called “yellow line” into zones of Gaza currently under Israeli control, saying any fighters who do so “will be targeted without any further warning” so the Israel Defense Forces can operate “freely and immediately against any threat.” Katz added that Hamas leaders would be held responsible for any incidents that follow.
The statement follows earlier warnings from Katz that Israel remains prepared to respond militarily should Hamas violate the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Katz’s comments underline Israel’s position that movement or operations by Hamas inside areas under Israeli control would represent a red line with immediate consequences.
The message is likely intended as both a deterrent and a justification for rapid military action if Israeli forces perceive any breach of security in the designated zones. International and humanitarian agencies monitoring the situation have repeatedly warned that escalations risk civilian harm and wider instability across the region.
