Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claims Hamas came back to the Gaza ceasefire talks because the Israeli military is carrying out its plan to seize the northern parts of the enclave, Al Jazeera reports.

“The focus on Gaza City derives from it being a military, governmental and symbolic centre of gravity. The leadership is there, and there remain the central infrastructures of the military wing. Hamas also knows that this is now the core of its rule,” Katz was quoted as saying by Israeli media.

In comments made during a visit to Israeli ground forces in Gaza, he said that for the first time in weeks, Hamas is “back at the table” because “only their fear that we are seriously intent on conquering Gaza” makes them willing to engage in mediated negotiations again.