Israeli Defence Miniser Israel Katz has warned that Israeli forces will remain in Gaza until all hostages held by Hamas are released.
The fragile first phase of the ceasefire collapsed on Tuesday when Israel launched airstrikes that have killed over 600 people in the past three days.
Katz said on Friday that he had instructed the military to seize more areas in Gaza, evacuate the population, and expand security zones around Gaza to safeguard Israeli communities and IDF soldiers, ensuring permanent Israeli presence in the region.
“The more Hamas continues its refusal to release the kidnapped, the more territory it will lose to Israel,” he stated.
Katz, a staunch Netanyahu ally and serving Defence Minister, made these remarks after Hamas confirmed it was continuing talks with mediators to restore the ceasefire, which had been in place between 19 January and Tuesday.
The Israeli minister stressed that Israel was adhering to the proposal put forth by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a hostage release agreement.
“Israel is adhering to the proposal of US President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for the release of all the hostages, both living and dead, ‘in advance and in two stages with a ceasefire in between – without endangering Israeli security interests,'” Katz stated.
Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed it was engaged in negotiations based on Witkoff’s proposal, which suggests extending the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage deal through early April.
In response, Hamas reiterated its demand for a permanent end to the war, stating that it was considering “various ideas on the table” aimed at securing a prisoner exchange deal that would include:
- The release of all detainees
- An end to the war
- Complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
According to the proposal, Hamas would return all hostages, both living and dead, in exchange for the release of thousands of Palestinian detainees and a permanent ceasefire.
Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with reports suggesting fewer than half are still alive.
