Katz Announces Maximum Alert Level for the Israeli Army on the Eve of October 7 Anniversary

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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced on Tuesday that he has placed the army on high alert "for any possible scenario" on the eve of the anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, warning that the residents of Gaza will pay a "heavy price" if the army is attacked.

A statement from Katz's office said that the instructions were issued "in light of intelligence information regarding Hamas's intentions to attempt to carry out 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 the residents of Gaza... in a way that exceeds any limits," according to the statement.

The unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to a tally based on official Israeli figures. The militants also took 251 hostages to Gaza, 44 of whom have since died. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which caused massive destruction and resulted in the deaths of at least 74,200 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Since the announcement of the ceasefire last October, Israeli forces have killed 1,460 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the sector.

In this regard, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, confirmed that Palestinian civilians continue to endure unbearable conditions since October 2023, and that it is time to make the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip permanent and allow for the widespread entry of humanitarian aid.

This came in a statement issued by Guterres on the eve of the third anniversary of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Guterres stated that the attacks that occurred in October 2023 must never be repeated.

He added: "The devastating conflicts that followed have caused indescribable suffering for the Palestinians in Gaza, including heavy loss of life, displacement, and destruction."

He continued: "The ceasefire last year provided some relief. However, it has not yet provided security, sufficient humanitarian aid, or a reliable path to recovery and peace."

Guterres called on all parties to fully meet their commitments and move to the next phase of the ceasefire.

He said: "It is time to make the ceasefire permanent. It is time to allow for the widespread entry of humanitarian aid. It is time to respect international law."

Guterres pointed out the necessity of building a political path that leads to lasting peace in the entire region, noting that the United Nations continues its steadfast commitment to these necessities.