Jerusalem, Jan 10 (NationPress) Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to formulate a strategy for the 'complete defeat' of Hamas if a hostage release agreement is not reached by January 20, according to a statement issued by his office on Friday.

Katz emphasized that if Hamas fails to release the hostages before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, a 'strategy for the complete defeat of Hamas in Gaza' would be put into action.

He instructed the military to 'identify potential challenges' to executing the strategy, which includes humanitarian issues and other concerns, enabling political leaders to make the 'necessary decisions.'

Katz conveyed this directive during a security evaluation meeting on Thursday with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

He urged for a more decisive strike against Hamas instead of engaging in a 'war of attrition.'

Katz asserted that the 'complete defeat' of Hamas should be pursued irrespective of plans for Gaza's reconstruction post-war. 'Any political resolution is irrelevant to the current strategy and required actions, as no Arab or other entities would take responsibility for managing daily life in Gaza until Hamas is fully dismantled,' he remarked.

These comments emerged amid fresh discussions in Doha, Qatar, aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

Israel initiated a significant military campaign in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and around 250 hostages taken. Israel has declared its aim to achieve a 'total victory' over Hamas and ensure the release of the hostages. Since then, over 46,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in the enclave, according to health authorities in Gaza.