Israel will expand its territorial control in Gaza and continue military action until Hamas is defeated if the militant group persists in holding onto the remaining hostages, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday.
Katz’s remarks came as mediation efforts continued to revive a ceasefire agreement that collapsed after Israel resumed airstrikes and ground operations on March 18. The two-month truce broke down when Israel and Hamas failed to agree on an extension.
Israel has consistently stated it will never accept Hamas’ rule or military influence in Gaza, especially following the group’s October 7, 2023, cross-border attack that sparked the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military reported last week that its forces had initiated a focused ground operation in Gaza’s central and southern regions, following renewed airstrikes that have resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the main goal of this new military campaign is to compel Hamas to release the hostages still in its custody.
“If Hamas continues to refuse, it will face escalating consequences, including the taking of more territory and further strikes against militants and terror infrastructure until Hamas surrenders completely,” Katz warned in a video released by Israeli media.
This latest offensive marks one of the deadliest phases of the conflict, shattering a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January 19.
As of now, Hamas holds 59 hostages, including 24 believed to be alive, from the more than 250 it abducted during the October 7 attack. Most of the remaining captives have been released or their bodies returned through negotiated exchanges.
The ongoing Israeli assault has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-controlled health ministry.
