Key Points:

• Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz threatens to annex more territory in Gaza if Hamas refuses to release remaining hostages.
• The renewed military offensive has already resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians, with over 50,000 reported deaths.
• International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are attempting to revive a ceasefire deal that has been severely strained.

The Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on March 25, declaring that Israel will expand its military operations and seize additional territory in Gaza if Hamas continues to withhold the release of hostages. His statements come on the heels of a renewed assault that has ignited one of the deadliest phases of the conflict since its escalation in October 2023.

Since the resumption of hostilities on March 18, after a two-month ceasefire, Israel has intensified its bombardments, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians. Katz emphasized that Israel's military objectives would proceed until Hamas is dismantled and the hostages, currently numbering 59, are freed. Among these, it is believed that 24 are still alive, while negotiations have seen some hostages returned in exchange for prisoners.

The Israeli military has claimed to have commenced targeted ground operations in both central and southern Gaza, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the restoration of a ceasefire is contingent upon Hamas ceasing its aggressive actions. Katz noted in a reported video that Hamas’s continued inaction would lead to “heavy prices that get higher and higher” as they lose territory and substantial military infrastructure to Israeli forces, until complete capitulation is achieved.

Amidst these developments, international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have been striving to establish a new truce agreement, suggesting terms that involve the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has faced substantial restrictions. The situation remains dire, with health officials in Gaza reporting a staggering toll of over 50,000 fatalities as a direct consequence of the ongoing military campaign.

In statements addressing the violence, former TRT Global reported Katz's endorsement of continued military action, echoing sentiments among far-right circles within Israeli politics that advocate for territorial expansion amid perceived opportunities under the current US administration.

The renewed hostilities and threats of annexation come as protests emerge within Israel, with some citizens demanding a reassessment of military strategies and their implications for hostages still in Hamas’s custody. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the potential for a long-term resolution appears increasingly elusive.

Further insights into the crisis can be found in articles from Reuters and Jakarta Post.