Israel Orders Troops to Advance Deeper Into Gaza, Threatens Annexation

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered troops to seize more territory in Gaza, escalating military operations following the collapse of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The move comes as Israel threatens to hold land until Hamas releases the remaining hostages.

After reclaiming control of the Netzarim corridor, a key area dividing northern and southern Gaza, Israeli forces advanced toward Beit Lahiya in the north and Rafah in the south. Meanwhile, the Israeli military reimposed a blockade on northern Gaza, further restricting access to food, fuel, and humanitarian aid for the region’s 2 million residents.

Since the ceasefire collapsed on Tuesday, nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, according to local reports. The original ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, was intended to lead to a full Israeli withdrawal and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas. However, negotiations stalled after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the second phase of talks, instead attempting to push a new ceasefire deal through U.S. mediation.

Hamas has insisted it will only release the remaining 59 hostages—24 of whom are believed to be alive—in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to escalate military operations until Hamas surrenders control of the territory.

The Biden administration has reiterated support for Israel, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warning Hamas that failing to release the hostages would lead to severe consequences.

With fighting intensifying, uncertainty looms over the future of Gaza, as tens of thousands remain displaced, and diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting truce remain in deadlock.