Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to seize more territory in Gaza if Hamas continues to withhold Israeli hostages. Katz stated that if the Palestinian militant group refuses to cooperate, the IDF will push deeper into Gaza, evacuate civilians from targeted zones, and establish a permanent security buffer to protect Israeli communities and soldiers from future attacks. This move signals a shift toward a more extensive and prolonged military presence in the region.
Katz stressed that the intensified operations would continue until Hamas agreed to release the remaining hostages. He noted that Israel would use every tool available — military strikes, ground operations, and civilian pressure — to achieve this goal. He even referenced a voluntary migration plan for Gaza’s residents, originally proposed by former US President Donald Trump, which envisions relocating Palestinians to safer regions, a statement that has drawn international scrutiny.
Israel’s air, land, and sea offensives have grown more aggressive in recent days, marking the collapse of the two-month ceasefire. The calm was shattered when Israeli forces resumed strikes, targeting key Hamas positions. Palestinian civilians were seen fleeing the areas under attack as explosions rocked the Gaza Strip. Katz said the renewed campaign aims to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and secure the freedom of all hostages, while also ensuring Hamas cannot regroup or stage further assaults on Israeli territory.
The United States has backed Israel’s actions despite growing global criticism. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that Israel has the right to defend itself, adding that the ceasefire could have been extended had Hamas released all remaining hostages. Waltz placed the blame squarely on Hamas, saying they "chose war" by refusing to continue the exchange deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, explaining that the strikes were necessary due to Hamas’s unwillingness to negotiate further. He emphasized that Israel would not accept partial agreements or drawn-out negotiations while hostages remained captive.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which triggered the ongoing conflict, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, including civilians and soldiers, and the abduction of more than 250 hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign that has devastated Gaza. The initial ceasefire deal, brokered with international mediation, required Hamas to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, the agreement faced intense backlash from hardliners within Netanyahu’s coalition, who saw it as an unacceptable concession to the militant group.
Since the ceasefire broke down, Israel’s renewed assaults have reportedly killed over 592 Palestinians in just a few days, including women and children, adding to an already staggering toll. According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, with tens of thousands more injured. An estimated 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, forcing families into overcrowded shelters with limited access to food, water, and medical care.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has grown increasingly dire. Aid agencies warn that continued fighting could lead to catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. The UN has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging both sides to prioritize civilian safety and resume peace talks. However, with Israel’s latest escalation and Hamas remaining defiant, a resolution seems increasingly out of reach.
As the conflict enters a new, more aggressive phase, regional stability hangs in the balance. Katz’s orders signal that Israel is prepared for a prolonged, large-scale operation — one that could reshape the landscape of Gaza and leave lasting consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.
