Israel Threatens To Seize 'Large Areas' Of Gaza As Offensive Continues And Negotiations Stall

The Israeli government is vowing to seize "large areas" of Gaza as it continues its offensive on the enclave and talks continue stalled.

Concretely, Defense Minister Israel Katz said the areas would be "added to the security zones of the State of Israel." He didn't specify which areas would be, but clarified they would include the "extensive evacuation" of part of the 2 million people living inside the strip.

CBS News detailed that the country has long maintained a buffer zone inside Gaza, but is now seeking to vastly expand it, a decision that critics are calling a land grab. Katz didn't specify which areas will be seized, but did reference they would involve the "extensive evacuation" of part of the population. He went on to call residents to "expel Hamas and return all hostages," calling it "the only way to end the war."

The Hostage Families Forum, which represents families of the captives, expressed dismay at the announcement, saying they were "horrified" by it. The group has long called for the end of the war as a way to secure the return of all hostages who remain in Gaza. It is believed that some 59 hostages remain in Gaza, a fraction of whom are still alive.

"Their lives hang in the balance as more and more disturbing details continue to emerge about the horrific conditions they're being held in — chained, abused, and in desperate need of medical attention," the forum said.

The offensive comes as talks continue failing to yield any positive outcomes. Hamas said last week it had offered the release of five live hostages in exchange for a renewed ceasefire, but Israel said on Monday its counter-proposal involves an extended truce in exchange for about half of all remaining hostages believed to be alive.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would continue putting military pressure on Hamas in the meantime. In fact, the military ordered the evacuation of most of Rafah on Monday, anticipating another major ground operation.