Hamas: Israel Katz's recent statements confirm 'Israel's' ethnic cleansing agenda

Hamas issued a strongly worded statement Friday condemning 'Israeli' minister Israel Katz, accusing him of confirming 'Israel’s' intent to forcibly displace Gaza’s population using intense military force. Hamas described Katz’s comments as an acknowledgment of crimes amounting to ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of nearly one million residents of Gaza City.

In its statement, Hamas said Gaza has been subjected to “systematic destruction and horrific massacres” over recent days, targeting innocent civilians through heavy aerial and artillery bombardment in residential areas. The movement described the attacks as the practical implementation of plans by 'Israel’s' “criminal leaders.”

Hamas further highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation, pointing to the ongoing blockade, the use of starvation as a weapon, and the escalation of attacks on health, humanitarian, and relief centers. Vital infrastructure in Gaza continues to be destroyed, according to the statement.

The movement criticized the international community for its silence, asking, “How can the world remain silent, witnessing openly committed war crimes and acts of extermination, declared publicly by the occupation’s leaders, while international legal and moral frameworks fail to hold them accountable?”

Hamas called on Arab, Islamic, and global audiences to increase solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and to exert pressure on 'Israel' to halt what it described as “aggression, extermination, and forced displacement” that has continued for over 22 months.