Israel Launches New Ground Offensive in Gaza as Annexation Threat Looms
Israeli Defense Minister warns of territorial annexation and buffer zones if Hamas refuses to release hostages, while military operations intensify in Rafah and beyond.
- Israeli forces have commenced a major ground offensive in Rafah, targeting Hamas strongholds to secure the release of remaining hostages.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to annex parts of Gaza and establish buffer zones if Hamas does not comply with hostage release demands.
- The Israeli government has intensified air, ground, and naval operations across Gaza, focusing on dismantling Hamas infrastructure.
- Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to Germany, emphasized that military pressure is the only effective means to compel Hamas to release hostages.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with significant casualties reported, as discussions on a U.S.-backed resettlement plan for Gaza residents gain attention.
WELT 
