Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday that the army had been placed on the highest alert for “any possible scenario” on the eve of the anniversary of Hamas’s 7 October attack, warning that Hamas and Gaza Strip residents would pay a “heavy price” if Israeli forces came under attack.
Katz’s office said in a statement that the instructions to raise the alert level had been issued “in light of intelligence regarding Hamas’s intentions to attempt attacks and operations against our forces in Gaza on that day”. The statement added: “If our forces are harmed... those who will pay the heavy price will be Hamas and Gaza residents... in a way that exceeds all limits.”
Toll of the attack and hostages held in Gaza
The announcement coincides with the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel, which killed 1221 people, according to a tally based on official Israeli figures. During the attack, gunmen took 251 hostages to the Gaza Strip, 44 of whom had died.
Israel responded to the attack with a large-scale military campaign in the Gaza Strip, causing massive destruction and killing at least 74,200 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Since the ceasefire was announced last October, Israeli forces have killed 1460 people in the Strip, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Guterres calls for truce to be consolidated and aid expanded
In a related development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Palestinian civilians had continued to endure unbearable conditions since October 2023, calling for the Gaza ceasefire to be made permanent and for humanitarian aid to be allowed in on a large scale.
In a statement issued on the eve of the third anniversary of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, Guterres stressed that the attacks that took place in October 2023 must never happen again. He added: “The devastating conflicts that followed have caused unspeakable suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, including a staggering loss of life, displacement and destruction.”
He said the ceasefire announced last year had provided some relief, but “has so far failed to provide security, sufficient humanitarian aid or a credible path to recovery and peace”. He called on all parties to fully honour their commitments and move to the next phase of the ceasefire.
Guterres said: “The time has come to make the ceasefire permanent. The time has come to allow humanitarian aid in on a large scale. And the time has come to respect international law.” He also stressed the need to build a political path towards lasting peace throughout the region, affirming the UN’s continued commitment to these imperatives.
