Israeli Defense Minister: Hamas Members Surrender or Die

"Our fighter jets will reach everywhere... every missile has a target. We will target every member of Hamas," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told pilots and technicians of the F-35 squadron at Nevatim air base in central Israel today.

"Hamas members have two choices: die in their positions or surrender unconditionally. There is no third choice. We will destroy Hamas and neutralize all of its capabilities," Gallant declared.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on October 16. Photo: AP

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today carried out an airstrike on the Bureij refugee camp in the Gaza Strip and killed Ayman Nofal, a military commander and senior member of Hamas's General Military Council. The airstrike was carried out based on information from the Shin Bet security agency and the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate.

According to the IDF, Nofal carried out "numerous attacks against Israel and its security forces." Nofal was also involved in the production and development of Hamas weapons, and was involved in the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilat Shalit in 2006. Shalit was released in 2011.

Hamas confirmed that Ayman Nofal was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli Defense Minister: Hamas Members Surrender or Die — Image of the airstrike that killed senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal. Video : *X/@IDFSpokesperson*

Gallant’s warning comes as the Israeli military prepares to launch a joint operation on land, sea and air in response to Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7. As of October 17, fighting between the two sides has left about 4,400 people dead and at least 16,000 injured.

The Israeli army has completely surrounded Gaza, cutting off its supply of electricity, food, clean water and fuel. The Gaza Strip is home to 2.3 million Palestinians who depend on supplies from outside through Israeli territory. Israel on October 13 ordered 1.1 million civilians in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate south.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today called on the international community to support his country in its fight against Hamas. An IDF official said the Israeli military has struck about 5,000 Hamas targets since October 7 and called off several other raids to avoid Palestinian civilian casualties.

Izzat al-Risheq, a senior Hamas official, earlier described Israel's moves against the Gaza Strip as "inhumane" and "brutal". "Hamas will not give up its legitimate fight for freedom and self-determination. We will live strong or die fighting," al-Risheq said.