Israel will annex Gaza territories if Hamas refuses to free hostages, says defence minister

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday warned that the army will permanently seize and annex territory in Gaza if hostages are not released.

According to a Middle East Eye report, Katz also announced plans to expand the buffer zone along the Gaza Strip’s boundary with Israel.

“The more Hamas persists in its refusal to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed to Israel,” Middle East Eye quoted Katz as saying.

“I have directed the IDF to expand the manoeuvre, take control of more ground and hold it permanently to protect Israeli communities and soldiers,” he added.

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Annexation of occupied territory is illegal under international law.

The Israeli army has begun a ground invasion in Gaza, advancing into Beit Lahiya in the north and the Netzarim Corridor.

Air strikes have continued across Gaza for the third day.

Since the resumption of hostilities on Tuesday, over 500 Palestinians, including more than 200 children, have been killed and over 900 wounded.

Israel has restricted movement for Palestinians, ordering them to avoid Salahuddin Road and use the coastal route instead.

According to the report, citing Gaza civil defence officials, over 49,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict, with an additional 14,000 reported missing and presumed dead.

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Israel faces accusations of genocide from leading UN bodies and human rights organisations and is currently on trial at the International Court of Justice for violating the Genocide Convention.

With inputs from agencies