- Israel’s military now reportedly controls more than 30% of the Gaza Strip as it aims to put more pressure on Hamas to secure the release of 59 hostages still held by the militant group. The news comes as Hamas is reportedly sending a delegation to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations.
- Israel and Hamas have not had a ceasefire agreement since January, which lasted eight weeks before fighting resumed.
- The standstill in negotiations comes as the United Nations warns that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “the worst” since Israel’s war against Hamas began in 2023.
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Israel now controls about a third of Gaza as its defense forces continue to capture large portions of land in the north and south of the strip, declaring them security zones as part of an effort to ramp up pressure on Hamas.
Why the land seizure?
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, April 14, that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) seizure of portions of Gaza for an indefinite amount of time is meant to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas. Officials said only 24 of the remaining hostages are believed to be alive.
Since Israel’s enhanced ground operations began in March, Israeli troops have seized more than 30% of Gaza, including a new security region surrounding and blockading Rafah.
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Prior to the blockade around the southern city, Israel told Egypt, which borders Rafah, of its plans. Israel reportedly intends to keep the area for the long term, while also creating more expansive security zones around Gaza City to the north.
What are Israeli officials saying?
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday, April 9, his forces are taking over “many territories” in an attempt to make “Gaza smaller and isolated.” The Journal reports that the IDF believes splitting Gaza into security zones makes it an easier task to dismantle Hamas operations as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to call for the the terrorist group to disarm or be destroyed.
What is Hamas saying?
The renewed military ground push comes as a Hamas official tells The Associated Press, that the militant group is sending a delegation to Qatar to continue indirect ceasefire negotiations following the deaths of 38 Palestinians.
Hamas said it’s considering releasing up to 10 hostages held in Gaza, but said an end to the war must be part of the deal.
The Hamas official, who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity, said ceasefire discussions are slated to begin this week or next.
When was the last ceasefire?
Israel and Hamas last agreed to a ceasefire in January, which lasted eight weeks.
Both sides are now at a standstill in negotiations as Israel vows to annihilate Hamas and Hamas militants refuse to put down their weapons.
What is the latest on the humanitarian crisis?
While Israel and Hamas remain without a ceasefire or hostage agreement, the United Nations warned, time is running out for many in Gaza. The U.N. called the humanitarian situation in the region “the worst” since Israel launched its war against Hamas following the terror attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 people taken hostage.
