Fri Aug 29 04:09:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text followed by a news article rewrite from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly urged the Israeli government to begin annexing sections of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to disarm and release hostages. His plan involves an ultimatum to Hamas, followed by a phased annexation of Gaza territories, initially asking Palestinians to move South. He proposes a siege to eliminate remaining militants and ultimately bring most of Gaza under Israeli control. This proposal comes amidst ongoing Israeli offensives in Gaza and has been condemned by Hamas as a policy of forced displacement and ethnic cleansing. Smotrich’s views align with those of other far-right members of the Israeli coalition who support re-establishing settlements in Gaza.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: Israeli Minister Calls for Annexation of Gaza, Raising Concerns of Escalation**

**Jerusalem, August 29, 2025, 10:10 am IST** – Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ignited controversy on Thursday by publicly advocating for the annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Smotrich, a prominent figure in Israel’s far-right political landscape, presented a plan that hinges on Hamas’s surrender and disarmament.

Smotrich’s proposal would give Hamas an ultimatum to surrender, disarm, and release the hostages from the October 2023 attack. Should Hamas refuse, Israel would initiate a phased annexation, claiming a section of Gaza each week for four weeks, thereby bringing a majority of the Gaza Strip under complete Israeli control. This will be achieved through instructing Palestinians to migrate South, followed by a North and central Gaza siege to defeat remaining Hamas militants.

The plan has drawn immediate condemnation from Hamas, who released a statement accusing Smotrich of openly endorsing “a policy of forced displacement and ethnic cleansing.”

For India, which has historically maintained a nuanced stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this development presents a delicate challenge. India’s growing strategic partnership with Israel must be balanced with its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to a two-state solution. This proposal further destabilizes the prospects for peace and presents concerns regarding regional stability.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to displace civilians and inflict suffering, the global community watches closely to see if Smotrich’s proposal gets traction within the Israeli government and what its impact will be on any future peace process. The proposal also raises serious questions under international law and regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The region continues to be a tinderbox, and Smotrich’s proposal throws more fuel to the fire.

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