Israel Prepares to Expand Gaza Operation as Hostage Talks Stall
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israel is preparing to significantly escalate its military operations in Gaza following the collapse of hostage deal negotiations, a senior defense official said Monday. The move will include a major call-up of reservists and intensified fighting across the Strip.
Despite earlier hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough, Israeli leadership rejected a Hamas proposal offering a five-year truce in exchange for the release of all hostages. A political source made clear that Israel would not agree to a “hudna” — a prolonged ceasefire — that would allow Hamas to regroup and strengthen for future attacks.
“The reason we didn’t immediately launch intense fighting after the end of the last ceasefire was to allow space for negotiations over the hostages’ release,” the source told Ynet News. “We still want to exhaust every effort to bring the hostages home, but our patience is not unlimited.”
Senior ministers have pushed for an immediate expansion of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz delayed final approval in a last attempt to secure a deal. With no realistic alternative emerging, officials are preparing to enter the so-called “decisive phase” — a major military escalation involving several divisions, heavier firepower, and the seizure of large areas inside Gaza.
The move would require the emergency mobilization of thousands of reservists. According to the latest plans, the expanded operation aims to increase pressure on Hamas to secure the release of hostages and achieve broader strategic goals.
Meanwhile, the Hostages’ Families Forum sharply criticized the government’s decision. “Why sink even deeper into the Gaza quagmire?” the group said. “The government could bring the hostages home tomorrow morning — if it chooses to.”
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