Israel Orders IDF to 'Seize' More Territory in Gaza If Hamas Refuses to Free More Hostages

Gaza: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday ordered its army to "seize" more territory in Gaza, with plans to annex the land if the Palestinian militant group Hamas refused to free more Israeli hostages, according to reports.

As per the report, Katz said that he had directed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to seize more territories in the Strip, while also commanding the evacuation of Palestinian civilians from the impacted areas.

Katz, according to statements quoted in Haaretz, said he had "instructed to capture new territories in Gaza, while evacuating residents and to expand security zones" around the enclave in order to ensure the protection of Israeli communities and soldiers, through Israel's permanent control of the territory. 

‘Hamas Refuse Hostage Release, It Loses More Land’

Israeli Minister Katz said, "As long as Hamas continues to refuse to release the hostages, it will lose more and more territories, which will be annexed to Israel," 

"We call on the US president's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to release all hostages, both alive and dead, in two phases with a ceasefire, without compromising Israel's security interests." he added.

Also Read: 58 Including Children Killed After Fresh Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

Earlier, Katz said that the IDF was ramping up its offensive on Gaza through air, land, and sea operations, aiming to rescue the remaining hostages.

As Israel intensified its strikes on Hamas-controlled areas, following two months of uneasy calm, Palestinians were seen fleeing for their lives as Israel effectively ended the ceasefire.

Israel—Since Ceasefire Broke

After retaking part of the strategic Netzarim corridor, which divides northern and southern Gaza, Israeli troops advanced toward the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the southern border city of Rafah on Thursday. The military announced it had resumed enforcing a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City.

Israel had already halted the supply of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinians. It has also said that it would escalate military operations until Hamas releases the 59 hostages it holds, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, and relinquishes control of the territory.

Since Israel broke a truce on Tuesday, nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed. The ceasefire had facilitated the release of more than two dozen hostages and brought a period of relative calm since late January.

(with AP inputs)