Israel to intensify Gaza offensive if Hamas refuses to return to hostage release talks

"Hundreds of thousands of (Palestinian -ed.) residents have already evacuated and tens of percent of Gaza’s territory has become part of Israel’s security areas," Katz said, referring to the Israeli Defense Forces' buffer zone along the Gaza border.

He emphasized that the main goal of the IDF’s operations is to force Hamas to agree to a deal for the release of the hostages.

"The main goal is to exert heavy pressure on Hamas for it to return to the framework of a hostage release. As long as Hamas persists in its refusal, the IDF activity will intensify," Israel's Minister of Defense explained.

Recent developments in Gaza

Recently, Gallant had already warned that Israeli soldiers could expand the security zone along the Gaza border if Hamas refuses to release the hostages.

"If the Hamas terror organization continues to refuse to release the hostages, I instructed the IDF to capture additional areas, evacuate the population, and expand the security zone around Gaza for the protection of Israeli communities and IDF soldiers, through a permanent hold of the area by Israel," Katz emphasized.

It was also reported yesterday that Israeli forces have completed the encirclement of the southernmost city of Gaza, Rafah. This maneuver is part of the announced plan to seize additional areas of the enclave.

"Over the past 24 hours, the 36th Division’s troops completed the establishment of the Morag route, separating Rafah and Khan Younis," military officials stated on Saturday.

Background

Ahead of the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, a ceasefire had been reached between Israel and Hamas. The resumption of the war occurred in March after Hamas refused to release the hostages to Israel.

For more details on why Hamas is taking this stance, read RBC-Ukraine's article.