An Israeli government minister has suggested that Israel may annex parts of Gaza as a way to force Hamas into accepting a ceasefire deal. The controversial remark has increased tensions and raised alarm among Palestinians and international observers.
Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin made the comments on Wednesday during a live interview on Israel’s public broadcaster Kan. He said Israel could give Hamas an ultimatum—either reach a deal or lose land permanently.
“The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands,” Elkin said. “A clarification to Hamas that the moment they play games with us, they will lose land that they will never get back would be a significant pressure tool.”
His statement has triggered fresh concerns that Israel could expand its control of Palestinian territory, especially while ceasefire talks remain stalled.
Palestinians Warn Against Gaza Annexation
Palestinians have reacted strongly to the idea of annexation. Officials say it would destroy any hope of a future independent Palestinian state. The Gaza Health Ministry also reported more hunger-related deaths, raising fears that aid delays and military pressure are worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The ministry confirmed seven more people died from hunger, including a two-year-old girl who couldn’t access medical treatment and food. Her father said:
“Mekkah, my little daughter, died of malnutrition and the lack of medication,” he told Reuters. “She starved. We stood helpless.”
The total number of hunger-related deaths in Gaza has now reached 154, including at least 89 children, most of them in recent weeks.
International Pressure Grows Over Gaza
Israel is facing mounting international pressure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and end its military campaign. France, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all pushed for progress toward a two-state solution. Both France and the UK say they may formally recognize a Palestinian state by September if Israel fails to ease conditions in Gaza.
The UN says some aid is now entering Gaza, but not enough. Food trucks are being overwhelmed by desperate crowds before they reach the intended delivery zones.
“Most aid is still being offloaded by crowds before reaching where it is supposed to go,” said the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. “Market monitoring shows prices are beginning to drop, which could mean better conditions ahead—if aid continues to flow.”
Annexation Talk Draws Sharp Reactions
Some Israeli officials have doubled down. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said reestablishing Jewish settlements in Gaza is “closer than ever” and called Gaza “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.”
Meanwhile, hostage families urged the international community not to recognize a Palestinian state while their loved ones are still held by Hamas.
“Such recognition is not a step toward peace,” the Hostages Family Forum said, “but rather a dangerous political failure that legitimizes horrific war crimes.”
Gaza Annexation Talk Raises Stakes
The comment by Zeev Elkin about possible Gaza annexation has added fuel to an already volatile situation. As thousands continue to suffer, and the death toll from hunger rises, talk of seizing land adds to Palestinian fears and global concern.
While Israel says Hamas must give up control, many Palestinians now see any hope of statehood slipping away. If Israel follows through on these annexation threats, it could redefine the Gaza conflict—with long-term consequences for both sides.
