US avoids commenting on Katz’s threat to begin annexing parts of Gaza

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce is asked repeatedly what the Trump administration’s position is on Defense Minister Israel Katz’s threat earlier today that Israel would annex areas of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to release the remaining hostages.

“There’s the talk about annexing things… [but] for those of you who care about these issues, it is a distraction to move past the nature of what’s going on now [which has] one cause — Hamas’s attitude and actions,” says an irked Bruce after being asked the question a third time.

The decision to avoid commenting on Katz’s remarks amounts to a departure from the policy of the previous administration, which repeatedly spoke out against any potential Israeli annexation of Gaza territory.

Bruce blames Hamas for the renewed Israeli operations in Gaza, saying the terror group should have agreed to the US proposal to extend phase one.

Hamas has insisted on sticking to the original terms of the deal, which envisioned the commencement of phase two at the beginning of the month. Israel has refused to enter phase two, which would see the release of the remaining hostages since it also requires the full withdrawal of troops from Gaza and the permanent end to the war.

Israel has said it will not end the war until Hamas’s military and governing capabilities have been dismantled, and the Trump administration appears to back the stance, pushing instead to extend phase one, rather than continuing with phase two.