Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reportedly given a stern warning to Hamas, stating that they will maintain a permanent presence in different parts of Gaza until all the hostages are released. The unstable ceasefire ended on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, after Israel conducted strikes in Gaza. The bombardment shattered two months of calm and witnessed many hostages being exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
In a significant move on Friday, Katz directed the Israeli military to capture additional areas in Gaza, while evacuating the people. He also instructed the soldiers to expand the security zones around the war-torn city in a bid to protect the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli communities. CNN quoted the defense Minister as saying, “The more Hamas continues its refusal to release the kidnapped, the more territory it will lose to Israel.”
Katz Says, ‘Israel Was adhering To The Proposal Of US’
Katz’ comments came as Hamas said it was continuing contacts with mediators to try to re-establish the ceasefire that was in effect between January 19 and Tuesday. Katz said Israel was adhering to the proposal of US President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for the release all the hostages, both living and dead, “in advance and in two stages with a ceasefire in between – without endangering Israeli security interests.”
Hamas Reiterates Its Demand For…
In a statement on Friday, Hamas said that it was continuing to deliberate on a proposal from Steve Witkoff, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, who has suggested extending the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal through early April, as per CNN. It reiterated its demand for a permanent end to the war, saying it was exploring “various ideas on the table in a manner that aims to achieve a prisoner exchange deal that ensures the release of detainees, ends the war, and secures a withdrawal.”
The proposal from Witkoff last week would have secured the release of a handful of living hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the extension of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, CNN has reported. Of the 59 hostages still being held in Gaza, fewer than half are still believed to be alive.
