Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that “Hamas must understand that the rules of the game have changed” after the country unleashed its deadliest strikes on Gaza since a ceasefire began in January, AFP reports.

“If it does not immediately release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open, and it will face the full might of the IDF (Israeli Defence Force) in the air, sea and on the ground until its complete destruction,” the Israeli defence chief was quoted as saying in a ministry statement as he visited the Tel Nof airbase.

Opinion

Editorial

A new deal
Updated 16 Jun, 2026

A new deal

AFTER three and a half months of war between US-Israel and Iran and an acrimonious temporary ceasefire, a genuine...
Charter of economy
16 Jun, 2026

Charter of economy

NO one expected the PTI to accept the government’s invitation to sign a charter of economy; just as few expected...
Hostage seamen
16 Jun, 2026

Hostage seamen

SOME 50 days on, 11 Pakistani nationals are still in Somali pirates’ captivity. Their appeals to the Pakistani and...
Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...