An Israeli minister has suggested that Israel could annex parts of Gaza to pressure Hamas, a move that would further undermine prospects for a future Palestinian state.
Zeev Elkin, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, told public broadcaster Kan on Wednesday that the loss of territory could be used as leverage if ceasefire talks continue to stall.
“The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands,” Elkin said. “Making it clear to Hamas that if they play games, they will lose land they will never get back would be a significant pressure tool.”
His remarks came a day after Britain said it would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes steps to ease the humanitarian crisis and reach a truce. France made a similar pledge last week, while a joint initiative from France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the Arab League called for Hamas to give up its weapons and hand control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has denounced such recognition as rewarding the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the war.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Mediation to secure a 60‑day truce and the release of hostages collapsed last week, with both sides trading blame. Israel accuses Hamas of dragging out negotiations for concessions.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. The health ministry reported seven more deaths from hunger on Wednesday, including a two‑year‑old girl with a medical condition.
“Mekkah, my little daughter, died of malnutrition and lack of medication,” her father, Salah al‑Gharably, said from Deir Al‑Balah.
The death toll from hunger and malnutrition has risen to 154, including 89 children, most in recent weeks.
Hostages and Political Fallout
Families of Israeli hostages urged foreign governments not to recognise a Palestinian state before their relatives are freed. “Such recognition is not a step toward peace,” they said in a statement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Britain’s announcement a reward for “monstrous terrorism,” echoing criticism made of France last week.
Several cabinet members have openly called for resettling Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that restoring Jewish settlements in Gaza is “closer than ever,” describing the territory as “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.”
Aid Still Scarce
The Israeli military announced daily pauses in fighting to allow food trucks into Gaza. The UN said aid flows had improved slightly in recent days but remained “far from enough,” with much of it seized by desperate crowds before reaching distribution points.
Since the start of the war, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 60,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities, and destroyed large parts of the territory.