Israel threatens to annex Gaza territory if Hamas refuses to release hostages

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli army will continue to seize territory and occupy Gaza until Hamas agrees to release all hostages. This is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.

The longer Hamas refuses to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose - these lands will be annexed by Israel

According to the publication, Israeli Defense Minister Katz's statement was made on Friday, March 21, a few days after the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and the increase in the number of Israeli troops in the Palestinian territory. This signaled the breakdown of the ceasefire, which had been in effect since mid-January.

Katz said he had ordered the Israeli army to seize territories in Gaza and order civilians to leave certain areas if the hostages were not released. He did not specify a deadline.

Addition

Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and many other countries, is still holding 59 hostages, of whom Israel believes at least 25 are alive.

Israel's financial assets have come under pressure over the past month amid a ceasefire that has become increasingly fragile and tensions between the Netanyahu government and key institutions. The shekel has lost about 3.6% of its value against the dollar, one of the worst performances in the world.

A recent poll published by the Maariv newspaper showed that 38% of respondents support the annexation of land in Gaza if the hostages are not released.

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