Jerusalem, March 21, (V7N) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases the remaining Israeli hostages, escalating tensions amid a fresh wave of military strikes in the region.

The renewed assault, which began on Tuesday, has shattered the fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. Gaza's civil defense agency reported that 504 people had been killed since the bombardment resumed, marking one of the highest death tolls since the war began in October 2023.

“The more Hamas refuses to free the hostages, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed by Israel,” Katz said. He also suggested expanding buffer zones to permanently secure Israeli territory, raising fears of a lasting Israeli occupation.

In northern Gaza, residents have been seen fleeing with their belongings, navigating streets filled with rubble as Israeli forces expand their ground operations. The Israeli military confirmed that troops are conducting operations in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, near the Egyptian border.

The escalation has drawn widespread condemnation, despite coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. However, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has warned against continuing military action without securing the release of hostages, echoing the concerns of thousands of protesters in Jerusalem demanding their safe return.

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