Israel Warns Hamas of Possible Gaza Annexation Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

Israeli officials have conveyed to Hamas that if it does not accept the current ceasefire and hostage release proposal in the coming days, Israel may take punitive steps, including annexing territory on Gaza's outer perimeter, according to multiple Israeli media reports citing senior officials. The warning was delivered as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with top aides to discuss ongoing negotiations, which have stalled amid disagreements over troop deployments, prisoner releases, and control of border crossings. A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that Israel has outlined its red lines, including refusing to leave the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, keeping the buffer zone around Gaza, and not agreeing to broad prisoner releases that would limit leverage over Hamas.

Negotiations in Cairo continue at a slow pace after Israeli and US teams withdrew from talks in Qatar, citing frustration with Hamas's demands. Israeli officials reportedly believe Hamas is unlikely to show further flexibility. "Israel will not be patient for much longer," a senior Israeli official said.

Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel to address growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reports of rising deaths from malnutrition and starvation have drawn international attention. A US official stated that President Donald Trump wants more information on the situation to facilitate increased aid to civilians. Witkoff may also visit Gaza to observe aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has faced criticism over repeated incidents of violence near its facilities.

The White House has announced plans to present a new aid delivery strategy for Gaza, though details remain limited. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Wednesday that while humanitarian pauses in fighting are welcome, they are insufficient to stabilize the situation, warning that it could take weeks for enough aid to enter Gaza. The ICRC also noted that food distribution sites are difficult and dangerous to access, with many gunshot victims arriving from those areas.

In addition to international efforts, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Egypt airdropped 32 aid packages into Gaza on Wednesday, according to the Israeli military. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office called on more countries to join the aid effort, stating on social media that Israel had secured the skies and ensured food delivery to Gazan civilians.

Within Israel, some ministers and lawmakers have advocated for annexation and resettlement of parts of Gaza. Cabinet member Ze’ev Elkin suggested that threatening annexation could pressure Hamas in negotiations, telling Kan public broadcaster that losing land would be a significant deterrent for Hamas. Separately, 22 ministers and coalition lawmakers signed a letter urging Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow settlement groups to tour northern Gaza to examine potential sites for future Israeli settlements. The Nachala organization, involved in settlement activities, organized a march near the Gaza border to promote the establishment of Jewish settlements in the territory.

Hamas continues to hold 50 hostages, most of whom were taken during the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing conflict. According to the Hamas health ministry, over 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, though these figures cannot be independently verified. Israel reports 459 military personnel killed in operations in and around Gaza.