Israel’s Defense Minister Yisrael Katz reiterated the threat of attack against the Gaza Strip if Israeli prisoners are not released soon, warning that “the gates of hell will open.” Israel had halted humanitarian aid to Gaza. Speaking at an event commemorating the 33rd death anniversary of former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Minister Katz discussed ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations in Gaza. Katz issued a warning that they could resume attacks on the Gaza Strip. Katz emphasized that the halt of humanitarian aid to Gaza was “just the beginning,” stating, “If Hamas does not release the prisoners soon, the gates of Gaza will be closed and the gates of hell will open.” “THE AGREEMENT IS STILL VALID” Defense Minister Katz stated that the Tel Aviv government will not allow the violation of the “peace agreement between the two countries” signed by Egypt. Emphasizing that Egypt is the largest and most powerful Arab country, Katz said, “We will not allow them to violate the peace agreement or to allow systematic violations. We are dealing with this issue, but the agreement is still valid.” Donald Trump’s Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, had proposed a plan to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel initially claimed to have embraced this plan but later halted the entry of all humanitarian aid materials to the Gaza Strip, claiming Hamas had rejected it. Netanyahu had also issued threats of further action if Hamas did not return Israeli prisoners. BLAMING EGYPT Israel’s Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, accused Egypt of military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula, claiming that this was a “very serious violation” of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Leiter stated that Israel will soon raise its concerns on the matter, saying, “This issue has been pushed aside for a long time, but it continues. We will address this issue very soon and decisively.”