Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military on Friday, March 21, 2025, to seize additional territory in Gaza. Katz threatened Hamas with annexation of these areas if the hostages held since October 2023 are not released. This follows the resumption of Israeli bombardments on Gaza after a period of relative calm since the January 19 truce.
Katz stated that the more Hamas delays, the more territory it will lose to Israeli annexation. He also ordered the army to occupy additional areas in Gaza while evacuating the population and expanding security zones around Gaza. Evacuation orders have been issued for eastern districts of Jan Yunis, Beni Suheila, and Beit Lahia.
The Israeli forces have also partially occupied the Netzarim corridor, dividing Gaza, and urged northern residents to evacuate south via the Rashid road. Israel cited stalled truce negotiations for resuming its offensive. According to Gaza's Civil Defense agency, at least 504 people, including 190 minors, have died since the renewed attacks. The military operations have drawn international condemnation, including from Israeli President Isaac Herzog.