Senior Hamas sources responded today to Defense Minister Israel Katz saying that Gaza City will evacuate its residents to the south if a civilian or an IDF soldier is kidnapped.

Senior Hamas sources responded today to Defense Minister Israel Katz saying that Gaza City will evacuate its residents to the south if a civilian or an IDF soldier is kidnapped.

Hamas officials told the Qatari channel "Al-Arabi" that they "deny the Israeli claims of preparing for operations or a plan to kidnap Israeli soldiers."

According to Hamas officials, Israel is preparing for aggression that will include an attack on civilian and government assets in the Gaza Strip. Following this, organization called for the establishment of a committee to verify Israel's claims.

Hamas also claimed that they are "committed to the cease-fire agreement" and call on mediators to put pressure on Israel.