Israel threatens to annex Gaza to force Hamas to release hostages

Israel's defense minister has ordered the army to seize more territory in the Gaza Strip and threatened to annex part of the territory if Hamas does not release hostages.

The warning was issued by Defense Minister Israel Katz after the Israeli army intensified its attacks on the Gaza Strip since March 18 after the ceasefire agreement collapsed, according to The Guardian .

After capturing part of the strategic Netzarim corridor dividing the northern and southern Gaza Strip, the Israeli army advanced to the town of Beit Lahiya in the north and the city of Rafah in the south.

Israel deploys troops to secure corridor that cuts Gaza Strip in half

"I have ordered the army to seize more territory in Gaza. The more Hamas refuses to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose and will be annexed by Israel," Mr. Katz said on March 21.

The minister also threatened to expand the buffer zone around the Gaza Strip to protect Israeli civilians and soldiers, through a permanent occupation of the area if Hamas did not comply.

Israeli tanks operating in the Gaza Strip on March 20.

According to The Guardian , establishing a permanent buffer zone in Gaza, especially around the northern border, has long been considered a goal of Israeli officials.

The Trump administration this week declared its support for Israel and warned that Hamas would pay a heavy price if it did not release all hostages. An estimated 59 Israeli hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip.

US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is said to have presented a new plan, including a 30-60 day ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Hamas said it was discussing this proposal as well as options put forward by other intermediaries.

Reuters quoted Egyptian security sources as saying that Egypt had suggested setting a deadline for the release of the remaining hostages and for Israel to withdraw all its troops from Gaza with US guarantees. Washington has signaled its agreement while Hamas and Tel Aviv have not responded.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/israel-doa-sap-nhap-gaza-de-buoc-hamas-tha-con-tin-185250322075600996.htm