Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said on Friday that he ordered the military to “seize more ground” in Gaza and warned of partial annexation if Hamas does not release hostages held in the Palestinian territory, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“I ordered (the army) to seize more territory in Gaza … The more Hamas refuses to free the hostages, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed by Israel,” he said in a statement in which he threatened “permanent occupation” of “buffer zones” inside the Gaza Strip.

Reacting sharply to the order, France opposed any kind of annexation by Israel of the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, according to the AFP.

Speaking  to reporters in the eastern city of Dijon on Friday, French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, “France is opposed to any form of annexation whether it concerns the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. We have a very clear vision of the future of the region – a solution of two (Israeli and Palestinian) states living side-by-side in peace.” 

The Associated Press quoted observers  as saying that  Israel’s renewed military offensive in the Gaza Strip threatens to be even deadlier and more destructive than the last, as it pursues wider aims with far fewer constraints.

Israel resumed the war with a surprise bombardment early Tuesday that killed hundreds of Palestinians, ending the ceasefire and vowing even more devastation if Hamas does not release its remaining hostages and leave the territory.

US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for the renewed offensive and suggested last month that Gaza’s two  million Palestinians be resettled in other countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is stronger than ever. With fewer hostages inside Gaza than at any point since Hamas ignited the war with its October.7, 2023, attack,  the Israeli  military has more freedom to act.

“If all the Israeli hostages are not released and Hamas is not expelled from Gaza. Israel will act with an intensity that you have not seen,” Katz had said on Wednesday.

“Return the hostages and expel Hamas, and other options will open up for you, including going to other places in the world for those who wish. The alternative is complete destruction and devastation,” he had warned.