As tensions escalate in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued stark threats to "seize additional territories" in Gaza unless Hamas relinquishes the remaining hostages.
Israel Threatens Escalation in Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis
Israel Threatens Escalation in Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis
Israel's Defence Minister Katz orders military to intensify operations in Gaza until hostages are released.
In a bold statement made on Friday, Defence Minister Israel Katz directed the military to increase ground operations in Gaza "with increasing intensity," emphasizing that the objective is the release of all hostages, whether alive or deceased. More than 400 civilians have reportedly died in renewed hostilities following Israel's decision to break a months-long ceasefire early this week and resume its airstrikes.
"The more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose to Israel," Katz asserted. He further reiterated Israel's willingness to cooperate with a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff, involving a two-stage release of all hostages, promised to coincide with a temporary ceasefire.
Israel ramped up its military engagements, pledging to utilize all forms of attack—air, land, and sea—until the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated. Katz's statement also indicated consideration of a controversial transfer plan for Gaza residents proposed by former President Donald Trump, which aims to remove the 2 million Palestinians residing in the area. However, both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas along with the UN have vehemently opposed any form of forced civilian displacement, labeling it a violation of international law.
The conflict has been intensified since Israeli airstrikes last Tuesday, which resulted in over 430 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Following these strikes, Hamas retaliated by launching rockets at Tel Aviv. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer faulted Hamas for the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, claiming the group has "rejected every hostage deal" attempt.
Despite accusations from Israel, Hamas has maintained that it is committed to negotiation, stating they are discussing the Witkoff proposal with the intent of securing a prisoner exchange that would conclude hostilities and facilitate a withdrawal of Israeli troops. Katz also mentioned that civilians in targeted areas would be evacuated in light of military actions, a move that previously triggered panic among the Palestinian populace, many of whom have been displaced numerous times throughout the conflict.
The current surge of violence has roots in a catastrophic attack on October 7, 2023, when around 1,200 lives were lost, and 251 people taken hostage. As of now, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 48,500 Palestinians have perished since the conflict reignited, leaving the Gaza Strip devastated with significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
"The more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose to Israel," Katz asserted. He further reiterated Israel's willingness to cooperate with a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff, involving a two-stage release of all hostages, promised to coincide with a temporary ceasefire.
Israel ramped up its military engagements, pledging to utilize all forms of attack—air, land, and sea—until the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated. Katz's statement also indicated consideration of a controversial transfer plan for Gaza residents proposed by former President Donald Trump, which aims to remove the 2 million Palestinians residing in the area. However, both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas along with the UN have vehemently opposed any form of forced civilian displacement, labeling it a violation of international law.
The conflict has been intensified since Israeli airstrikes last Tuesday, which resulted in over 430 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Following these strikes, Hamas retaliated by launching rockets at Tel Aviv. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer faulted Hamas for the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, claiming the group has "rejected every hostage deal" attempt.
Despite accusations from Israel, Hamas has maintained that it is committed to negotiation, stating they are discussing the Witkoff proposal with the intent of securing a prisoner exchange that would conclude hostilities and facilitate a withdrawal of Israeli troops. Katz also mentioned that civilians in targeted areas would be evacuated in light of military actions, a move that previously triggered panic among the Palestinian populace, many of whom have been displaced numerous times throughout the conflict.
The current surge of violence has roots in a catastrophic attack on October 7, 2023, when around 1,200 lives were lost, and 251 people taken hostage. As of now, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 48,500 Palestinians have perished since the conflict reignited, leaving the Gaza Strip devastated with significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
