Israel orders army to 'seize additional territories' in Gaza

Israel's defense minister has instructed the military to take control of more areas in Gaza and has warned that parts of it may be permanently occupied if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages. Israel Katz stated that the military will continue its ground operations in Gaza with increased intensity until all hostages, both living and deceased, are returned. Currently, it is believed that 24 out of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza are alive, but their situation remains uncertain after negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire deal failed to make progress. The fragile ceasefire that had been in effect since January came to an end this week as Israel resumed its ground campaign and bombings in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. Israel has accused Hamas of rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire, while Hamas claims it is engaging with mediators in a responsible manner. However, Katz stated that 'the more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose to Israel. ' He also mentioned that Israel is still open to a proposal brought forth by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which suggests releasing all kidnapped individuals, both living and dead, in two stages with a ceasefire in between. Katz emphasized, 'We will intensify the fighting with strikes from the air, sea, and land and by expanding the ground maneuver until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated. ' Additionally, the defense minister indicated that Israel would implement US President Trump's voluntary transfer plan for Gaza residents. Trump has expressed a desire for the US to take control and rebuild the Gaza Strip while permanently relocating its population of two million Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have firmly stated that Gaza is 'not for sale,' while the United Nations has warned that any forced displacement of civilians from occupied territory is strictly prohibited under international law and is akin to ethnic cleansing. Months of negotiations led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt resulted in a proposed ceasefire deal in three stages. However, Israel and Hamas could not agree on how to proceed beyond the first phase. The plan stalled when the US and Israel proposed extending the first stage, which Hamas rejected, calling it a 'blatant attempt' by Israel to evade the agreement. The ceasefire was broken on Tuesday when Israel resumed its attacks on the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of more than 430 people in just two days, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. On Thursday, the violence continued. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer blamed Hamas for the resumption of violence, stating that the group had 'rejected every hostage deal. ' Israel claims that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Katz issued a 'last warning' to Hamas on Wednesday, demanding the return of the remaining hostages. Hamas has denied responsibility for stalling negotiations and stated that it is 'deeply involved' and is 'engaging with the mediators with full responsibility and seriousness. ' In a statement on Telegram, Hamas mentioned that it is discussing the Witkoff proposal and other ideas aimed at securing a prisoner exchange deal that would ensure the release of prisoners, end the war, and achieve a withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. In his statement, Katz also indicated that civilians would be evacuated from the areas targeted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Previous evacuation orders have caused panic among Palestinian families, many of whom have been repeatedly displaced by the war and have few safe options left. Israel has blocked all food, fuel, and medical supplies from entering Gaza since early March to exert pressure on Hamas. They accused Hamas of commandeering these provisions as part of its strategy against Israel, although they did not provide evidence for this claim. The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Since then, more than 49,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and there has been widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure in the region.