Israel Katz: We will not return to October 7

In this most dramatic and powerful display of defiance against terror, the leadership of Israel once more comes forward to assure its people of safety, while upholding the sacrosanct tenets of peace and justice. The terrorist organization Hamas, in a most unprecedentedly brazen manner, announced in the evening of February 10, 2025, that it was indefinitely postponing the scheduled exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a move which Israel’s top echelons unmistakably denounced as an “evident breach of the ceasefire.”.

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Hamas, through its Al-Qassam Brigades and speaking through its well-known spokesperson Hudhaifa Kahlout, also known as Abu Obeida, claimed that Israel had not adhered to the conditions agreed upon. The Palestinian Islamist group, without showing evidence, asserted that for the past three weeks, the Israeli military had been blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and attacking Palestinians trying to return to northern Gaza. The group now seeks “after-the-fact compensation” for these alleged infractions. These allegations amount to nothing more than a desperation move meant to sway the outcome of negotiations and further hurt innocent families.

In a firm response, the unacceptable act saw Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declare, “I have ordered the IDF to be on the highest state of alert for every possible scenario in the Gaza Strip and to protect our border communities. We will not return to the tragic reality of October 7.” His words echo crystal clear: Israel’s word, as given in its agreements, is its bond, as is the value of every citizen and hostage.

In the wake of the event, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his top military and security advisors on Monday evening to take stock of the situation. Forged through decades of adversity, the determination of Netanyahu’s office reassured the hostages’ families that Israel was committed to seeing the deal through.

The Hostage Families Forum, very much in lockstep with the government, has reached out to mediator states like Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in order to make sure that literally every effort is made to return all 76 hostages safely.

In another show of international resolve, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an uncompromising ultimatum to terrorists. Trump threatened that unless all remaining hostages are freed by Saturday at noon, the ceasefire will be of, and “hell will break loose.” “Hamas will find out what I mean,” Trump said. He also warned of severe economic penalties for U.S. allies in the region, Egypt and Jordan, if they get in his way as he aims to make Gaza an economic success story under American stewardship.

The bold stance of the American president, along with Israel’s steadfast determination, spells out a strong message: there is no place for terror or blackmail either in negotiations or in the future of Gaza. While Hamas aims to use the suffering of hostages for its own nefarious ends, the principles that have undergirded Israel’s democratic, Jewish character since its founding remain securely in place.

Unwaveringly, it is not the taste of an adventure that has pushed Israel to enter this conflict; it is its unrelenting commitment to justice, peace, and the preservation of life. The Government of Israel, together with the IDF, does everything possible so that a repetition of what happened on October 7 is not experienced again. The strong position against Hamas is not only against terrorism but a tribute to the steadfastness and strength of the Jewish state, a nation which came into being by overcoming unimaginable difficulties to protect its people, upholding values of freedom and democracy.

Amidst all this mayhem, it is now important for the world to recognize in Israel’s actions the model for responsible behavior by any sovereign power seeking to address grave security risks with respect and concern for every human life. The world needs not be persuaded by the cunning maneuvers of an irresponsible terrorist regime with no peace and no concern for human dignity.

With Israel acting with perfect precision in her implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the message would seem to be this: any terror, any extortion against the peace will be dealt with decisively. The security of its citizens, the dignity of the Jewish people, and the sanctity of human life, all these are never to be negotiated and underpin every single action of the government and armed forces.