'Put down your weapons or ... ': Israel issues 'final' ultimatum to Hamas; warns Gaza will be destroyed

Israeli defence minister Israel Katz on Monday issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the militant group must release hostages and lay down its weapons or face the destruction of Gaza and its own annihilation.

In a post on X, Katz said, “This is a final warning to the Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and put down your weapons — or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be annihilated.”

Katz added that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are continuing their operations as planned and are preparing to expand maneuvers to decisively defeat Gaza.

In a metaphorical warning, he also tweeted, “Today, a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will...”

The warning comes shortly after US President Donald Trump issued what he described as a “last warning” to Hamas to accept his ceasefire and hostage release framework.

On Sunday, President Trump claimed that Israel had agreed to his terms and that Hamas must also comply. He emphasized in a post on Truth Social: “This is my last warning, there will not be another one.”

Trump's post read, "Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter."