As Hamas continues its refusal, it will lose more and more territory that will be annexed to Israel,’ Israel Katz said.

Hamas says it is considering the latest US ceasefire plan for Gaza and remains “fully engaged” in the mediation process as Israel vowed to escalate its renewed campaign in Gaza to pressure the militants into releasing hostages.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration reiterated its support for Israel this week, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying, “The president made it very clear to Hamas that if they did not release all of the hostages there would be all hell to pay.”

The first phase of a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza crumbled earlier this week after Israel pounded the enclave with heavy airstrikes — the deadliest since the truce was signed.