Israel will seize more territory in Gaza and fight until the complete destruction of "Hamas" if the Palestinian group continues to refuse to release the remaining hostages, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Monday, Reuters reported.
The statement comes amid continued efforts by mediators to save the Gaza ceasefire agreement, broken by Israel on March 18 with the renewal of the air and ground offensive after Israel and "Hamas" failed to agree on terms for extending the two-month truce.
Israel has said it will never again allow Hamas to rule and exercise military authority in Gaza following the group's cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which led to the Gaza War.
Last week, the Israeli military said its forces had launched a targeted ground operation in central and southern Gaza after resuming bombardment of the besieged enclave that has killed hundreds of Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the renewed military campaign was aimed at forcing the Islamist militants to release the remaining hostages.
"If "Hamas" "If Hamas continues its intransigence, it will pay a higher and higher price in the form of capturing territory (from Israel) and eliminating fighters and terrorist infrastructure until (the group's) complete surrender," Katz said in a video message released by Israeli media.
The latest offensive is among the deadliest since the start of the conflict 17 months ago, shattering a fragile ceasefire that came into effect on January 19.
Hamas kidnapped more than 250 hostages in its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The group still holds 59 hostages, 24 of whom are still believed to be alive. Most of the others were released or their bodies were handed over as part of the exchange negotiations.
The subsequent Israeli military attack on Gaza resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities.