Fri Mar 21 17:47:12 UTC 2025: ## Israel Threatens Gaza Annexation Amid Renewed Offensive

**JERUSALEM** – Israel escalated its military operation in Gaza on Friday, with Defence Minister Israel Katz issuing a stark warning: annexation of parts of the territory unless Hamas releases the remaining Israeli hostages. The renewed offensive, which began Tuesday, has already claimed the lives of at least 515 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency, including 11 killed in Friday’s airstrikes alone.

The Israeli military intensified its ground operations, urging residents of southern Gaza to evacuate. Images showed residents fleeing their homes with belongings, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the already war-torn territory. Israel has closed off Gaza’s main north-south route.

Katz’s threat of annexation is accompanied by plans to expand buffer zones around Gaza through permanent occupation. He stated that Israel will intensify its assault using “all military and civilian pressure points,” including exploring a controversial plan proposed by the Trump administration to redevelop Gaza as a resort after relocating its Palestinian population.

The renewed offensive has drawn widespread international condemnation. Turkey denounced the destruction of a Turkish-built hospital in Gaza, while Russia expressed concern. Even within Israel, criticism is mounting, with President Isaac Herzog expressing worry about the government’s approach and thousands protesting in Jerusalem over the safety of the hostages.

Currently, 58 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas’s custody, with the Israeli military claiming 34 are deceased. While Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, Israel has maintained that it will not negotiate a lasting ceasefire until all hostages are returned. Hamas rejected Israel’s demand to return hostages as a precondition for the second phase of the truce.

The White House, however, voiced full support for Israel’s actions, further inflaming tensions in the region. The escalation marks a significant departure from the January ceasefire and casts a long shadow over the already fragile peace prospects.

Read More