Israel Katz Threatens to Annex Parts of Gaza, Implement Trump’s Plan
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, threatened on Friday to annex parts of the Gaza Strip to Israel and implement Trump’s plan for the forced displacement of Palestinians if Hamas refuses to release the remaining captives.
Katz said he has instructed the military to seize additional areas of the Gaza Strip while issuing forced displacement threats for Palestinian civilians in those areas.
In a statement, Katz said: “If the Hamas terror organization continues to refuse to release the hostages, I instructed the IDF to capture additional areas, evacuate the population, and expand the security zone around Gaza for the protection of Israeli communities and IDF soldiers, through a permanent hold of the area by Israel.”
“As long as Hamas continues its refusal, it will lose more and more land that will be added to Israel,” Katz added.
Katz also warned that Israel will “intensify” its assault in Gaza, including “through the expansion of the ground maneuver until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated.”
He added that Israel will use “all military and civilian pressure, including evacuation of the Gaza population south and implementing US President Trump’s voluntary migration plan for Gaza residents.”
This is the second time Katz has threatened Gaza residents with “total devastation” and forced displacement since the resumption of the genocide war on Tuesday.
Katz said in a video message aimed towards residents of Gaza on Wednesday: “The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza, and the second Sinwar will bring its complete ruin.”
“Soon, the evacuation of the population from combat zones will resume, and what follows will be far more severe – you will pay the full price.”
“Return the hostages and remove Hamas – the alternative is total devastation.”
Katz’s remarks came amid fresh Israeli bombing of the Palestinian enclave after violating the ceasefire agreement and resuming the war.
Since Tuesday morning, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 600 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. The Israeli attacks marked the collapse of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal that had begun on January 19, 2025. The first phase ended on March 1, 2025, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to proceed with the second phase.
Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court, sought to free more Israeli prisoners without fulfilling Israel’s commitments, including ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza. Hamas insisted on implementing the full agreement.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations, backed by the United States, have killed and wounded over 161,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. More than 14,000 people remain missing under the rubble.
