Israel is ready to expand its military operation in the southern Gaza Strip and launch a ground offensive on Rafah on the border with Egypt if the hostages taken by Hamas do not return home by the Ramadan holiday in March. This was stated by a member of the Israeli military cabinet, Benny Gantz, according to the Times of Israel.

"The world needs to know, and Hamas leaders need to know, that if our hostages are not home by Ramadan, fighting will continue everywhere, including the Rafah area," he said in a speech to leaders of American Jews in Jerusalem.

It should be noted that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins this year on March 10.

According to the former IDF chief of staff and defense minister, Israeli forces "will do so in a coordinated manner, facilitating the evacuation of civilians in dialogue with our American and Egyptian partners to minimize civilian casualties."

"To those who say that the price (of the offensive) is too high, I say this very clearly: Hamas has a choice - they can surrender, release the hostages, and the citizens of Gaza will be able to celebrate the holy holiday of Ramadan," Gantz said.