Netanyahu Warns Hamas of Possible Gaza Annexation Amid International Pressure

Israel has reportedly delivered a warning to Hamas terrorists through diplomatic channels, stating that if a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is not accepted soon, it will begin annexing areas along Gaza’s perimeter, senior Israeli officials told Channel 13.

The warning emerged as Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with his close circle of senior ministers and advisers, aimed at evaluating progress, or the lack thereof, in negotiations for a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. It also comes as more Western, allied countries are beginning to embrace unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which has been met with an emboldened attitude by Hamas, as the terrorists have been increasing their demands.

According to Channel 12, Israel transmitted a document via mediators outlining its firm conditions, particularly concerning the positions of IDF forces and terms related to prisoner exchanges.

In the document, Israel made clear that it would maintain its presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and the security buffer zone along the Gaza border. It also stated its opposition to reopening the Rafah Crossing and to any prisoner release so broad that it would hinder Hamas’s incentive to free the remaining hostages in a future phase of the truce.

The report indicated that Israel does not expect Hamas to demonstrate greater flexibility moving forward.

“Israel will not be patient for much longer,” said a senior Israeli official.

Despite Israel’s declared intentions, Channel 12 noted that the U.S. administration currently shows no willingness to approve any Israeli annexation of parts of Gaza.