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Israel Weighs Gaza Annexation as Hostage Deadline Looms

Israel is expected to make a critical decision within 48 hours: if Hamas fails to agree to a hostage release, Jerusalem may move to formally annex parts of the Gaza Strip, according to journalist Amit Segal. Unlike a military withdrawal, which can be executed unilaterally at any stage, annexation under Israeli law is effectively irreversible. Reversing such a move would require either a supermajority of 80 Knesset members or a national referendum—an exceedingly high political bar that underscores the gravity of the decision. While the proposal has not yet been finalized, it signals a hardening of Israel’s posture after months of war and stalled negotiations. If carried out, the annexation would represent the first formal territorial expansion into Gaza since Israel's 2005 disengagement and would likely draw intense international scrutiny. Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed the annexation timeline, but sources suggest the move is being seriously considered if Hamas continues to stonewall on the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. (Credit: Osint)