Tel aviv: Israel could threaten to partially annex the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on the Palestinian militant group Hamas during ceasefire negotiations, a member of Israel's security cabinet stated on Wednesday. The minister, during an interview with Israeli public broadcaster Kan, emphasized the strategy of land annexation as a critical tool in negotiations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Elkin noted that Hamas was causing delays in the negotiation process. He highlighted that the most significant pressure point for their adversaries is the potential loss of land. By presenting Hamas with an ultimatum, Israel aims to advance the negotiations. The minister indicated that Israel is prepared to make it clear that if Hamas continues to delay, it will face territorial losses that are irreversible.
In recent developments, Israeli media reported that the government was considering a gradual annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip as a tactic to increase pressure on Hamas. This discussion comes amidst dissatisfaction from far-right ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government regarding the resumption of larger aid deliveries to Gaza.
The negotiations between Israel and Hamas have reportedly hit a stalemate. The latest proposal under consideration involved a 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas was expected to release 10 of the 20 hostages believed to be alive in the Gaza Strip. Israeli media outlets, including TV station N12 and journalist Barak Ravid, reported that Israel had responded to Hamas' recent demands through mediators on Tuesday, though the specifics of the response have not been disclosed.
