Cabinet minister hints at Israel annexing parts of Gaza if Hamas won’t agree to a hostage deal

By Reuters 30 July 2025, 5:01 pm

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Minister Ze'ev Elkin attends a Knesset subcommittee meeting on the rehabilitation of the Gaza border area, at the Knesset in Jerusalem, on November 25, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Israel could threaten to annex parts of Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas, cabinet member Ze’ev Elkin says.

The comment came a day after Britain said it would recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes steps to relieve suffering in Gaza and reaches a ceasefire in the war with Hamas.

Accusing Hamas of trying to drag out ceasefire talks to gain Israeli concessions, Elkin tells the Kan public broadcaster that Israel may give the group an ultimatum to reach a deal before further expanding its military actions.

“The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands,” he says. “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.”