JERUSALEM – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that Israel has adopted a policy of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza to undermine Hamas' control over the population.

Outlining Israel's broader war strategy a day after a field visit to Gaza with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior military commanders, Katz said the strategy is aimed at securing the release of hostages and ultimately defeating Hamas.

"Israel's policy is clear – no humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza," Katz said. "No one is currently preparing or intending to bring any humanitarian aid into Gaza under the current circumstances," he said.

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Israel resumed its blockade on the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, and other supplies on March 2 in a move, Netanyahu said, intended to pressure Hamas into accepting a deal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, without requiring Israel to end the war.

According to Katz, aid has been withheld in order to "undermine Hamas's control over the population and prepare the ground for future (aid) distribution via private companies" without Hamas' involvement.

Israeli forces are striking Hamas militants and infrastructure "relentlessly", while preparing for the next phases of the operation, said Katz.

According to the minister, the army would not withdraw from areas it has seized, and would maintain a presence in designated "security zones" across Gaza.

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He warned that if Hamas continues to reject Israel's terms for a hostage deal, "the operation will expand and move to the next phases".

According to Gaza-based health authorities, Israeli attacks have killed more than 51,000 people in the enclave since the war began.