Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has ordered the military to seize additional areas in the Gaza Strip, linking any potential withdrawal to the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The announcement comes as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, with Israel blaming the militant group for the failure to reach an agreement.
In a statement on Friday, Gallant vowed to intensify military operations in Gaza until all hostages, both living and deceased, are returned. “The more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose to Israel,” he said. Gallant also reiterated Israel’s commitment to a proposal brought by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which involves releasing all hostages in two stages with a ceasefire in between. However, he warned that Israel would expand its ground, air, and sea operations if Hamas does not comply.
The fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January collapsed earlier this week, leading to a resumption of heavy Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 430 Palestinians have been killed in the past two days, with widespread destruction reported across the Strip. On Thursday, Hamas responded by launching three rockets at Tel Aviv, further escalating tensions.
The breakdown in negotiations has drawn international concern, with the United Nations describing the situation in Gaza as “gravely, gravely concerning.” Sam Rose, a spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), highlighted the “absolutely desperate tragedies occurring all over Gaza,” as civilians face continued displacement and dire humanitarian conditions.
Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire, while Hamas maintains that it is engaging with mediators “with full responsibility and seriousness.” The militant group has denied responsibility for the stalled negotiations, stating that it remains committed to securing a prisoner exchange deal that ensures the release of Palestinian prisoners, an end to the war, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
In his statement, Gallant also referenced a controversial proposal by former US President Donald Trump to rebuild Gaza and relocate its population. While Trump has suggested that the US could take over and rebuild the Strip, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have rejected the idea, calling it an attempt to “sell” Gaza. The UN has warned that any forced displacement of civilians from occupied territory would violate international law and could amount to “ethnic cleansing.”
The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas’s unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Israel reports that 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during the initial attack, while the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims that more than 49,500 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign.
As the violence escalates, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Israel has blocked the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies since early March, citing concerns that Hamas could commandeer the provisions. However, this move has exacerbated the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, many of whom have been displaced multiple times and have few safe options remaining.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea squarely blamed Hamas for the resumption of violence, stating, “Every death would have been avoided had Hamas accepted the bridge proposal.” However, Hamas has dismissed these claims, insisting that it remains committed to finding a resolution through mediation.
As the conflict enters a new phase of intensity, the fate of the remaining hostages and the future of Gaza remain uncertain. The international community continues to urge both sides to prioritize civilian safety and work toward a lasting peace, but with trust between the parties at an all-time low, the path to resolution appears increasingly fraught.
The situation underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further loss of life in the region.
