Israel Threatens Permanent Seizure of Gaza Strip if Remaining Hostages Aren’t Released Soon
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Friday, stating that Israel will permanently seize parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages promptly. Katz emphasized that Israel would intensify its air, land, and sea strikes until the hostages are freed and Hamas is completely defeated.
In a bold move, Katz revealed that he had already instructed Israeli ground forces to advance further into Gaza, with a promise to escalate the attacks with increasing intensity until their demands are met. He declared that the more Hamas delays the release of the kidnapped individuals, the more territory they will lose to Israeli forces.
Following the recent capture of part of the strategic Netzarim corridor earlier in the week, Israeli troops have now moved towards the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the southern border city of Rafah. Additionally, the military has resumed enforcing a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City.
The Israeli military has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Hamas leadership, resulting in the deaths of top officials, including the Gaza government chief. The airstrikes have inflicted significant damage on Hamas, with over 400 Palestinians reportedly killed in airstrikes on Tuesday alone, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
In response to the escalating conflict, Hamas is reportedly still deliberating on a US proposal to restore the ceasefire. The US envoy’s “bridge” plan aims to extend the ceasefire through April to allow for negotiations on a permanent resolution to the conflict, beyond the religious holidays of Ramadan and Passover.
The renewed fighting between Israel and Hamas has been attributed to Hamas’ refusal to accept the US-backed deal. Hamas insists on the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Amidst the ongoing hostilities, the US has placed blame on Hamas for the deaths since the resumption of violence earlier in the week. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the UN Security Council that Hamas bears full responsibility for the conflict and the casualties, emphasizing that every death could have been avoided if Hamas had accepted the US proposal.
Out of the original 250 hostages seized in a Hamas terror attack in October 2023, 59 individuals remain in captivity, with 24 believed to be alive. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm on their demands, with the threat of further escalation looming over the region.
The developments in Gaza underscore the fragile nature of the conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and suffering. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
