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Join on Telegram Meknes – In Israel’s latest row of hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israel’s Occupation Forces (IOF) are “dividing” up the Gaza and taking control of new areas to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages held in the enclave.
“We are dividing the Gaza Strip and increasing pressure step by step so they return our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a video. “The army is capturing territory, striking terrorists, and destroying infrastructure.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz used the common excuse, saying the operation aims to “clear the area of terrorists” and incorporate parts of Gaza into Israeli security zones. He also called on Gaza residents to “act against Hamas and return the hostages.”
The Hostages Families Forum, Israel’s main association representing relatives of hostages, responded sharply, dooming that the government is prioritizing military action over negotiating an agreement.
In an open letter, about fifty freed hostages and their families warned about “the dangers military pressure poses to the hostages’ lives.”
Following the expiration of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Israel resumed its genocidal offensive on March 18, claiming that increased bombardment and attacks are the only way to secure the release of 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
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Meanwhile, IOF’s relentless bombardment continues on Gaza, killing 20, including children and women, and injuring dozens on Thursday.
IOF embarked today on bulldozing streets in the neighborhood of Iktaba, east of Tulkarm.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked” by Israeli attacks that killed 15 humanitarian workers in Gaza.
Since March 2, Israel has enforced a blockage of humanitarian aid in the enclave, worsening the already dire situation for thousands of desperate Palestinians.
Amid Israel’s ongoing intensified genocide on Gaza, far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir caused outrage in the Arab world by storming the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
