Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Friday that as long as Hamas continues holding hostages in Gaza, “more territory will be incorporated into Israel.”

His statement comes days after the Israeli military resumed operations in the enclave, ending the relative calm that followed the ceasefire established on January 19. 

Katz explained in a statement that the military has been ordered to take control of additional areas in Gaza, while civilian evacuations are coordinated and security zones around the territory are expanded to protect both Israeli communities and deployed troops.

“Every day the hostages are not released, more land will be annexed to Israel,” he said. 

Evacuations have so far been ordered in the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Yunis and the towns of Beni Suheila and Beit Lahia. Additionally, the military partially occupied the Netzarim corridor, a strategic area dividing northern and southern Gaza, and instructed residents in the north to move south via the Rashid road, which runs parallel to the coast. 

The justification for the attacks

The Israeli military justifies the resumption of attacks due to stalled indirect negotiations over the next steps of the ceasefire, whose first phase ended in early March. Gaza’s Civil Defense agency, run by Hamas, reports that at least 504 people, including 190 children, have been killed since the strikes resumed last Tuesday. 

The Israeli offensive, coordinated with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, has drawn international concern. Even Israeli President Isaac Herzog called it “unthinkable” to restart fighting while efforts continue to safely return the hostages. 

The situation in Israel – Palestine remains tense, and the escalation in Gaza adds pressure on international mediators to secure an agreement that ensures both the release of hostages and the protection of civilians amid the ongoing conflict.