Israel's Defense Minister has instructed the military to seize more ground in the Gaza Strip and threatened to annex parts of the territory if Hamas does not release hostages.
The warning was issued by Israeli Defense Minister Katz after the Israeli army intensified its attacks on the Gaza Strip since March 18 following the collapse of the ceasefire agreement, according to The Guardian .
After gaining control of a portion of the strategic Netzarim corridor separating the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces advanced to the town of Beit Lahiya in the north and the city of Rafah in the south.
Israel deploys troops to secure the corridor that divides the Gaza Strip.
"I have ordered the army to seize more territory in Gaza. The longer Hamas refuses to release hostages, the more territory it will lose and the more it will be annexed by Israel," 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 long-term 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, particularly around the northern border, has long been considered a goal of Israeli authorities.
This week, the administration of US President Donald Trump declared its support for Israel and warned that if Hamas does not release all hostages, they will pay a heavy price. An estimated 59 Israeli hostages remain held in the Gaza Strip.
US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff reportedly put forward a new plan: a 30-60 day ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Hamas says it is discussing this proposal as well as options put forward by other mediators.
Reuters, citing Egyptian security sources, revealed that Egypt suggested setting a deadline for the release of the remaining hostages and for Israel to withdraw all its troops from Gaza with guarantees from the United States. Washington signaled its agreement, while Hamas and Tel Aviv have yet to respond.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/israel-doa-sap-nhap-gaza-de-buoc-hamas-tha-con-tin-185250322075600996.htm
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