Israel Warns Hamas: Accept Ceasefire or Face Annexation of Gaza Border Areas

Israel Warns Hamas: Accept Ceasefire or Face Annexation of Gaza Border Areas

Emmitt Barry

Israel has delivered a stark warning to Hamas through international mediators: agree to the current ceasefire and hostage release proposal within days, or face the annexation of territory surrounding Gaza’s perimeter. The warning, reported by Channel 13, comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top advisors met to assess the stalled negotiations and evaluate next steps amid growing impatience in Jerusalem.

A senior Israeli official confirmed that the proposal was conveyed via a formal document outlining Israel’s non-negotiable red lines. According to Channel 12, the document insists that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor or the buffer zone near Gaza’s border, and that Israel will not permit the reopening of the Rafah Crossing. It also rules out releasing prisoners at a scale that could undermine efforts to recover the final group of Israeli hostages.

“Hamas continues to be obstinate. Israel will not be patient for much longer,” a senior Israeli official stated, reflecting growing frustration over Hamas’s refusal to compromise.

At the heart of the impasse are approximately 50 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are thought to be alive. U.S. and Israeli negotiators recently returned from failed talks in Qatar, vowing to explore alternative strategies. In response, Netanyahu convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday with hostage envoy Gal Hirsch, diplomatic advisor Ophir Falk, and chief of staff Tzachi Braverman to weigh new options.

“There have been daily meetings — we haven’t stopped trying,” Netanyahu said in a video message. “But everyone knows the obstacle is Hamas. We are not letting up. We are committed to bringing them home — one way or another.”

Among the ideas discussed is a controversial plan to annex strategic portions of the Gaza Strip, an idea reportedly floated by Netanyahu in a closed-door session with ministers. The Times of Israel confirmed that discussions have included the creation of a new administrative body to govern any annexed zones.

Annexation, if enacted, would mark a historic shift in Israel’s Gaza policy. Such a move would be difficult to reverse: under Israeli law, de-annexing territory requires the approval of 80 Knesset members or a national referendum. While the White House currently shows no appetite for endorsing annexation, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said last week that the Trump administration is exploring “alternative options” to secure the release of the hostages

President Donald Trump, speaking Monday from Scotland, appeared to signal support for a harder Israeli approach. “Now possibly the fight will have to be a little bit different,” Trump said, adding that he advised Netanyahu, “You’re going to have to now maybe do it a different way.”

As diplomatic efforts stall and options narrow, Israeli leaders appear increasingly prepared to shift gears. With negotiations frozen and pressure mounting, the threat of annexation looms large as both a political statement and a strategic move in the ongoing battle for Gaza’s future.