Hamas condemns Katz’s threat to assassinate Khalil Al-Hayya as “state terrorism”

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamas said Katz’s remarks reflected the political bankruptcy of the Israeli government and its extremist ministers.

The Movement stressed that assassination threats would neither change its national approach nor alter its commitment to continuing the struggle and resistance until Palestinian rights are restored and the Israeli occupation ends.

Hamas emphasized that the threats would only strengthen its leadership’s determination to maintain its positions.

The Movement also called on international mediators to take a firm stand against Katz’s statements, condemn the assassination threats, and pressure the Israeli government to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and the roadmap sponsored by US President Donald Trump.

Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, demanding an end to Israeli military attacks and the lifting of the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people.

Earlier Sunday, Zionist regime’s War Minister Israel Katz issued a direct threat to assassinate Khalil Al-Hayya, the head of Hamas’s political bureau, while criticizing Türkiye for its support of the Palestinian Movement.

According to statements carried by Israeli media, Katz accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of continuing to “roll out the red carpet” for individuals he described as Hamas killers and attackers.

The Israeli minister also alleged that Ankara supports activities promoted by Hamas in cooperation with the Muslim Brotherhood against Israel and other countries in the region.

Katz went further by explicitly threatening Al-Hayya’s life, declaring that Zionist regime had not finished targeting Hamas leaders.

“We have killed Hamas leaders in Gaza, and Al-Hayya’s turn will come as well. He will be sent to join Haneyya and his friends in the depths of hell,” Katz said, according to the reported remarks.

His statement referred to Ismail Haneyya, the former Hamas political leader who was assassinated in Tehran in July 2024.

Hamas demands international action, ceasefire compliance

Hamas described Katz’s assassination threats as an escalation that requires a decisive response from the mediators overseeing the ceasefire agreement.

The Movement called for international pressure on Israel to honor its commitments, halt military attacks, and lift restrictions imposed on the Palestinian population.

Despite the threats against its leadership, Hamas reiterated that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and to its stated political positions concerning Palestinian national rights.

The exchange comes amid continuing disputes over the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, with Hamas accusing Israel of undermining the agreement through ongoing military operations and threats against Palestinian leaders.