Israeli Defense Minister Katz threatens Gaza annexation

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday that Israel will move to annex more Palestinian land in Gaza if Hamas continues to reject agreements.

Katz stated that he had instructed the Israeli military to seize more territory in Gaza, forcibly relocate Palestinians, and expand buffer zones around the Gaza Strip.

“The more Hamas refuses to free the hostages, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed by Israel,” Katz said in his statement. He also warned of permanent Israeli control in the areas the military captures, asserting that Israel’s military will continue its air, sea, and land attacks on Gaza.

Katz’s comments followed a series of recent Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have intensified since a ceasefire that began on January 19 was shattered by Israel’s renewed attacks on March 18.

The violence has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, with nearly 600 killed and over 900 wounded in the latest round of strikes.

Gaza under renewed assault

Israeli forces resumed their violent offensive in Gaza, targeting areas in the north, including Beit Lahia, where they deployed tanks and artillery.

Witnesses reported heavy bombardment from both ground and aerial attacks. The Israeli army stated that these operations were aimed at Hamas targets.

The ceasefire, which had offered some relief to Gaza’s besieged population, was broken following Israel’s rejection of new ceasefire proposals, escalating military operations against Hamas.

The Israeli government justified the attacks by accusing Hamas of violating the terms of the truce and continuing its military activities.

International condemnation and calls for ceasefire

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his outrage over the latest violence, urging for an immediate restoration of the ceasefire and for the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas.

He also called for unrestricted humanitarian assistance to be provided to the people of Gaza. Guterres condemned the loss of life and the destruction caused by Israeli attacks, which have intensified since early March.

“It is clear that escalation is not the answer,” Guterres said, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace solution based on a two-state framework with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.

Rising tensions in the West Bank

In the West Bank, tensions continue to rise, particularly with Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access to religious sites. On the third Friday of Ramadan, Israel enforced strict entry controls at the Qalandiya checkpoint, preventing many Palestinians from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers, despite having valid permits.

This has added to the ongoing frustration and resentment among Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

Ibrahim Avad, a 67-year-old resident from the West Bank’s Yamun village, shared his frustration after being denied entry to Jerusalem despite having an entry permit. “I was turned away without any explanation. The only thing I did was express my sympathy for the victims, the displaced, and the killed,” Avad said, and added, “Israeli occupation wants to silence people’s voices. They don’t even want us to show empathy for the victims or try to reach Jerusalem.”