Israel Orders Military To ‘Seize More Ground’ In Gaza, Threatens Annexation Over Hostage Release

<p>Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday warned that Israel will annex parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to release the hostages it is still holding. Katz has directed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to seize additional areas in Gaza and issue evacuation orders for Palestinian civilians residing there.</p>
<p>In a statement, Katz declared, &ldquo;If the Hamas terror organisation continues to refuse to release the hostages, I instructed the IDF to capture additional areas, evacuate the population, and expand the security zone around Gaza for the protection of Israeli communities and IDF soldiers, through a permanent hold of the area by Israel&rdquo;, as per Times of Israel.</p>
<p>He further warned that &ldquo;as long as Hamas continues its refusal, it will lose more and more land that will be added to Israel.&rdquo; Katz also stated that Israel would &ldquo;intensify&rdquo; its military operations against Hamas, including &ldquo;through the expansion of the ground manoeuvre until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Additionally, Katz mentioned that Israel would employ &ldquo;all military and civilian pressure, including evacuation of the Gaza population south and implementing US President Trump&rsquo;s voluntary migration plan for Gaza residents.&rdquo;</p>
<h3><strong>Israel&rsquo;s Renewed Military Offensive In Gaza Likely To Be Deadlier</strong></h3>
<p>Meanwhile, the Associated Press (AP) reported that Israel&rsquo;s renewed military offensive in Gaza is likely to be deadlier and more destructive than previous operations, as it pursues broader objectives with fewer constraints. The war resumed early Tuesday with a surprise Israeli bombardment that killed hundreds of Palestinians, ending the ceasefire. Israeli authorities have vowed further devastation if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages and withdraw from the territory.</p>
<p>US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for the Israeli offensive and last month suggested that Gaza&rsquo;s two million Palestinians be resettled in other countries. The report also noted that Iran-backed militant groups allied with Hamas are facing disarray.</p>
<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s ruling coalition is reportedly stronger than before, while fewer hostages remain inside Gaza than at any point since Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. This situation, AP suggests, has given the Israeli military greater operational freedom.</p>
<p>The latest phase of the conflict is anticipated to be even more brutal, with previous hostilities having already led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, the displacement of the vast majority of Gaza&rsquo;s population, and large-scale destruction of the enclave.</p>