Israel Expands Gaza Offensive Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza after ceasefire negotiations reached a deadlock. Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the army to seize additional territories in the region, warning that certain areas could face long-term occupation if Hamas fails to free all remaining hostages.

Katz stated that Israeli forces will continue and expand their operations until every hostage—both living and deceased—is recovered. According to recent reports, of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza, only 24 are believed to be alive, though their exact condition remains unclear following the breakdown of truce discussions.

The fragile ceasefire, which had held since January, collapsed earlier this week when Israel resumed large-scale airstrikes and ground offensives throughout Gaza, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people.

Mounting Tensions in Gaza as Israel Intensifies Its Offensive

The crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the humanitarian situation described as “deeply alarming” and marked by “unimaginable human suffering across the region,” according to Sam Rose of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of obstructing efforts to extend the ceasefire, while Hamas insists it is “engaging responsibly and seriously” with mediators in pursuit of a resolution.

On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the longer Hamas withholds the release of hostages, “the more territory it stands to lose to Israel.” He reiterated Israel’s commitment to a US-backed plan involving a two-phase hostage release, accompanied by a temporary ceasefire between stages.

Katz further pledged that military operations would be stepped up, declaring, “We will intensify our attacks from the air, sea, and land, broadening our ground offensive until every hostage is freed and Hamas is eliminated.”

In a controversial announcement, Katz also stated that Israel plans to move forward with former US President Donald Trump’s proposed “voluntary transfer plan” for Gaza’s population. The plan envisions the United States overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and relocating its roughly two million residents elsewhere.

Gaza Conflict Escalates After Collapse of Ceasefire Talks

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated further after ceasefire negotiations fell apart, with both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas rejecting any attempts to alter Gaza’s political status, declaring that the enclave is “not for sale.” The United Nations has warned that any forced removal of civilians from occupied territories violates international law and could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt initially outlined a three-stage truce plan. However, the discussions broke down when Israel and Hamas failed to agree on extending the first phase. Hamas denounced US and Israeli efforts to prolong the stage as a “clear attempt” to “evade the original agreement.”

Hostilities resumed on Tuesday when Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes across Gaza, killing more than 430 people within 48 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which is run by Hamas. In retaliation, Hamas launched three rockets toward Tel Aviv on Thursday.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer accused Hamas of reigniting the conflict, stating that the group had “rejected every proposal for a hostage release.” Israel maintains that Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive.

Washington Places Responsibility on Hamas as Violence Surges

At a UN Security Council session on Friday, acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea placed the blame squarely on Hamas for the renewed fighting and the failure of the truce efforts. She argued that “every life lost could have been spared had Hamas accepted the bridge proposal.”

Hamas, however, refuted these claims, insisting that it remains “fully engaged” with mediators and continues to explore options for a prisoner exchange, an end to hostilities, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. In a statement shared on Telegram, the group said it is still reviewing the “Witkoff proposal” and other potential frameworks for peace.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that civilians would be evacuated from zones targeted for new offensives. But repeated evacuation orders have left many Palestinians in chaos, as countless families have been displaced multiple times with no safe refuge left.

Since March, Israel has imposed a blockade on food, fuel, and medical supplies entering Gaza, alleging that Hamas has been diverting aid shipments — a claim that remains unsubstantiated.

Israel’s ongoing offensive began in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken. In the year since, more than 49,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, with vast areas of Gaza reduced to rubble.

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