Israel Katz announced an intent to occupy parts of Gaza permanently if hostages are not freed, amid escalating violence and humanitarian concerns.
Israel Orders Military to Intensify Operations in Gaza to Secure Hostage Release
Israel Orders Military to Intensify Operations in Gaza to Secure Hostage Release
Tensions escalate as Israel's defense minister urges the army to seize more territories amid stalled ceasefire negotiations.
Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the military to "seize additional areas in Gaza," indicating a willingness to maintain a permanent presence in regions of the enclave if Hamas does not release all hostages. Katz emphasized that military operations would intensify until all hostages, both living and deceased, are returned—a statement underscored by the current negotiations that failed to move forward regarding a second phase of a ceasefire that had briefly held since January.
The renewed ground offensive came after the fragile truce broke down earlier this week, leading to heavy bombardment in Gaza that resulted in significant casualties, including over 430 people killed in just two days as reported by the health ministry run by Hamas. UN officials described the situation in Gaza as "gravely concerning" with numerous humanitarian crises unfolding amidst the ongoing conflict.
Officials from Israel and the United States have criticized Hamas for rejecting proposals aimed at extending the ceasefire, while Hamas claims to be participating responsibly in discussions. In a stark warning, Katz stated that Hamas's continued refusal would result in further territorial losses to Israel. He mentioned his support for a proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff that called for the staged release of all hostages, contingent on a ceasefire.
The beleaguered civilian population has faced dire humanitarian conditions, with Israel blocking essential supplies to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas. Katz's recent statements highlight the complexity of the current conflict, including references to a controversial plan by former US President Trump aimed at resettling Gaza's population, which has been met with outrage by both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
As fighting continues, concerns over civilian safety have escalated, with Israel maintaining that it would facilitate evacuations from targeted areas. The conflict has resulted in over 49,500 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in the region since the onset of the military campaign that began after a devastating cross-border attack on October 7, which resulted in the loss of approximately 1,200 Israeli lives and captured individuals.
The renewed ground offensive came after the fragile truce broke down earlier this week, leading to heavy bombardment in Gaza that resulted in significant casualties, including over 430 people killed in just two days as reported by the health ministry run by Hamas. UN officials described the situation in Gaza as "gravely concerning" with numerous humanitarian crises unfolding amidst the ongoing conflict.
Officials from Israel and the United States have criticized Hamas for rejecting proposals aimed at extending the ceasefire, while Hamas claims to be participating responsibly in discussions. In a stark warning, Katz stated that Hamas's continued refusal would result in further territorial losses to Israel. He mentioned his support for a proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff that called for the staged release of all hostages, contingent on a ceasefire.
The beleaguered civilian population has faced dire humanitarian conditions, with Israel blocking essential supplies to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas. Katz's recent statements highlight the complexity of the current conflict, including references to a controversial plan by former US President Trump aimed at resettling Gaza's population, which has been met with outrage by both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
As fighting continues, concerns over civilian safety have escalated, with Israel maintaining that it would facilitate evacuations from targeted areas. The conflict has resulted in over 49,500 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in the region since the onset of the military campaign that began after a devastating cross-border attack on October 7, which resulted in the loss of approximately 1,200 Israeli lives and captured individuals.
