Katz Threatens To Annex Territory In Gaza, Implement Trump's 'Voluntary Migration' Plan

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned Hamas that if they don't return the hostages, the Israel Defense Forces will begin annexing the Gaza Strip. Katz stated that the IDF would "seize additional territories" and "evacuate the population" if Hamas doesn't agree to revised terms of a hostage-for-ceasefire deal. He threatened that the more Hamas refuses, the more territory it will lose and be annexed to Israel. Katz is demanding that Hamas release all hostages, both living and dead, in advance and in two stages, with a ceasefire in between. Hamas has blamed Israel for pulling out of a two-month ceasefire and altering the ceasefire plan. Katz referenced Trump's Gaza mass expulsion plan, which involves evacuating the Gaza population and implementing a voluntary migration plan for Gaza residents. The plan has been met with criticism, even from Republicans, who see it as unrealistic and likely to lead to more war and conflict. The White House has been quiet on the plan, with Trump recently stating that "nobody is expelling any Palestinians." The situation has escalated after days of aerial and ground forces campaigns in the Gaza Strip, resulting in nearly 600 Palestinian deaths. Israel's leaders appear to be taking advantage of the opportunity to push Palestinians out of the enclave.