Watan-Israeli Minister of Security Yisrael Katz stated that his government will use all forms of military and civil pressure — including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to evacuate Gaza residents — to force Hamas to accept the proposal by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and release all Israeli captives. On Friday, Katz threatened to occupy more areas of the Gaza Strip and displace its residents.
Katz revealed Israel’s intention to expand its control over new areas in Gaza and evacuate their inhabitants. He said:“I have instructed the Israeli army to seize more land in Gaza, evacuate the population, and expand the security zones around Gaza to protect Israeli towns and soldiers.”
Katz Vows More Force and Gaza Annexation if Hostages Not Freed
He added that, “the more Hamas refuses to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose — territory that will be annexed to Israel.” He asserted that Israel will continue its assault “with increasing force” until the captives are released.
Katz warned:“We will intensify the fighting with strikes from air and sea and expand the ground offensive until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated. We will use all military and civilian pressure tactics, including evacuating Gaza residents to the south and implementing President Trump’s voluntary relocation plan.”
This statement refers directly to the controversial displacement plan. Katz continued:“We are committed to the proposal from President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, which includes releasing all hostages — alive and dead — in two phases, with a ceasefire in between, without compromising Israeli security interests.”
French Reaction
In response to Katz’s remarks, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Friday that France “opposes any form of annexation” in the occupied West Bank or Gaza Strip. During a press conference reported by AFP while visiting Dijon, Barrot stated:“France opposes any form of annexation, whether in the West Bank or Gaza.”
Israel Resumes War on Gaza
Israel resumed its war on the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, claiming it was to pressure Hamas. On Thursday evening, the Israeli army announced the expansion of its ground operations to include the southern city of Rafah. In a statement, it said its forces “began a ground operation in the Shaboura area of Rafah.”
Earlier Thursday, the army also said that it had launched a new ground offensive in northern Gaza, alongside ongoing airstrikes across the strip since the resumption of hostilities.
Hamas Response
Meanwhile, Hamas stated Thursday that negotiations with mediators are ongoing regarding a ceasefire to stop Israeli bombing of Gaza. Spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou said in press statements:“Talks are ongoing to stop the aggression, compel the occupation to abide by the agreement, and force it to backtrack on its plans.”
He confirmed Hamas’s commitment to a ceasefire agreement and its work with mediators to spare Palestinians from further war. He stressed the need for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and called for urgent action from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to stop the genocide, end starvation, and lift the blockade on Gaza.
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