Israeli minister threatens to annex parts of Gaza Strip

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to annex parts of the Gaza Strip if the hostages are not released, and has warned that Israel will continue its military campaign against Hamas until they meet their demands. Israel has intensified its ground operations in northern and southern Gaza, and is preparing to seize more territory. The situation is being exacerbated by the fact that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed since Israel restarted its attacks on Tuesday.