- The Israeli defense minister is vowing to annex parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to release 59 hostages still being held by the terrorist group. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday if Hamas militants do not free the hostages Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will take control of additional land in Gaza.
- Katz said, “As long as Hamas continues its refusal, it will lose more and more land to Israel.”
- Katz also promised to “intensify” Israel’s military operations in Gaza “until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated.”
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The Israeli defense minister is vowing to annex parts of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to release 59 hostages still being held by the terrorist group.
What did Israel Katz say?
Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday, March 21, if Hamas militants do not free the hostages Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will take control of additional land in Gaza, which would lead to more Palestinians being evacuated and Israel increasing a “security zone” around the enclave to protect its civilians.
Katz also promised to “intensify” Israel’s military operations in Gaza “until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated.”
What else is Katz warning of?
Katz added that his nation will employ “all military and civilian pressure” to reach its objectives, including the use of “President Donald Trump’s voluntary migration plan for Gaza residents.”
How does it play into the bigger picture?
The statement comes as IDF ground operations continued to destroy Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.
Earlier this week, the IDF hit Hamas targets with strikes under a campaign dubbed “Operation Strength and Sword.”
Israeli officials have warned if the hostages are not released and Hamas is not driven out “the alternative is total destruction.”
