Israel Threatens to Expand Gaza Operation Amid Hostage Standoff
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed the military to “seize additional areas in Gaza” should Hamas fail to release all remaining hostages.
Minister Gallant stated Friday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would persist with its ground operation in Gaza “with increasing intensity” until the return of all captives, “both living and deceased.”
This development marks a further escalation in the ongoing conflict, which intensified this week after Israel ended a ceasefire, in effect since January, and resumed its aerial bombardment. The renewed hostilities have resulted in hundreds of fatalities.
Gallant asserted, “The more Hamas persists in its refusal, the more territory it will forfeit to Israel.”
Stalled Hostage Negotiations and Intensified Conflict
In Friday’s address, Gallant indicated that Israel remains amenable to a proposal, reportedly facilitated by US envoy Steve Witkoff, for the release of all hostages “both living and dead,” in two phases with an interim ceasefire.
“We will escalate combat operations with aerial, naval, and ground strikes, and by extending the ground maneuver until the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated,” Gallant stated.
The Defense Minister further mentioned Israel’s intention to “implement US President Trump’s voluntary transfer plan for Gaza residents.”
Former President Trump has previously expressed interest in the US assuming control and reconstructing Gaza, while advocating for the permanent relocation of its Palestinian population.
Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have rejected this notion, asserting that Gaza is “not for sale.” The United Nations has cautioned that any forced displacement of civilians from occupied territories is a severe violation of international law and “tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”
Ceasefire Collapse and Mutual Accusations
Months of negotiations, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, resulted in a proposed ceasefire agreement in three stages. However, Israel and Hamas could not reach a consensus on progressing beyond the initial phase.
The ceasefire collapsed on Tuesday when Israeli forces initiated intense airstrikes on Gaza, reportedly resulting in over 430 fatalities within two days, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Subsequently, on Thursday, Hamas launched rockets towards Tel Aviv.
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer attributed the renewed violence to Hamas, stating the group had “rejected every hostage deal.”
Negotiations faltered when the US and Israel proposed extending the first phase of the deal. Hamas rejected this adjustment, describing it as an Israeli attempt to “evade the agreement.”
Israel asserts that Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be still living.
Hamas Denies Stalling Talks, Israel Announces Evacuations
Hamas has refuted accusations of obstructing negotiations, maintaining it “remains deeply involved” and is “engaging with mediators with full responsibility and seriousness.”
In a Telegram statement, Hamas conveyed it was reviewing “the Witkoff proposal and other different ideas put forward, all with the goal of securing a prisoner exchange deal that ensures the release of prisoners, ends the war, and achieves a withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Minister Gallant also indicated in his statement that civilians would be evacuated from areas targeted by the IDF.
Past evacuation orders have triggered widespread panic among Palestinian families, many of whom have already experienced multiple displacements due to the conflict and possess limited safe refuge options.
The Israeli military initiated its operation to dismantle Hamas following the unprecedented cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostage captures.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 48,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since then, alongside extensive damage to residential areas and infrastructure.