Israel Threatens Permanent Presence in Gaza Over Hostages

Reuters

Israel has warned it will hold parts of Gaza until Hamas releases the remaining hostages.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will maintain a permanent presence in parts of Gaza unless the hostages held by Hamas are released.

The ceasefire between Israel and Gaza ended on Tuesday after Israeli forces launched renewed attacks, killing nearly 600 Palestinians and ending two months of relative calm during which dozens of hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, though at least 35 are believed to be dead.

Katz said he has ordered the military to push further into Gaza, pledging to hold more territory until the remaining hostages are freed.

Hamas has stated it will release the remaining hostages only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, as outlined in a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

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