The Israeli defense minister, Israel Katz, announced on Friday that Israel will seize more territory in Gaza and intensify attacks if Hamas does not release more hostages. Following a cease-fire that lasted over two months, renewed Israeli bombardment and limited ground operations were launched in Gaza. Over 500 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed attacks on Tuesday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Katz warned that Hamas’ refusal to cooperate will result in the armed group losing more territory. He stated that the Israeli military could expand a security zone inside Gaza and order Palestinians to evacuate their homes. The captured territory would be held indefinitely by Israel. Mediators are still trying to prevent the new escalation of violence from escalating into a full-scale war. Hamas stated on Friday that negotiations for a return to the truce are ongoing, but any agreement must lead to a permanent end to the war, which Israel is hesitant to commit to. Meanwhile, in Israel, domestic political turmoil intensified over Netanyahu’s decision to fire the head of the Shin Bet intelligence service, Ronen Bar. Protesters accuse Netanyahu of purging the security establishment, while the Supreme Court issued an injunction freezing the dismissal until hearings can take place. Over the past three days, Israeli forces have bombarded targets and seized a major corridor in central Gaza, expanding ground raids in northern and southern Gaza.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-hostages.html