Israel to maintain Gaza buffer zones post-war, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israeli troops will not be leaving the buffer zones in Gaza, even after the current conflict ends. This decision comes after Hamas rejected an Israeli-proposed ceasefire deal that included the return of nearly a dozen hostages who have been held captive for over 550 days.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz and other security officials, have been conducting security assessments in Tel Aviv to determine the best course of action moving forward. Despite Hamas’ rejection of the ceasefire deal, Israel remains committed to creating security zones along the Gaza border to protect Israeli communities from potential threats.

The buffer zones established by Israel cover 30% of the Gaza strip, with ongoing efforts to create the Morag Corridor to separate the southern city of Rafah from Khan Younis. Katz emphasized that the IDF will maintain a presence in these security zones as a buffer between enemy forces and Israeli communities, similar to their operations in Lebanon and Syria.

Hamas has insisted that any deal must include guarantees for halting the conflict, achieving full withdrawal of Israeli forces, lifting the blockade, and beginning reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The group views any agreement without these provisions as a political trap.

Since resuming operations in March, Israel has faced condemnation from international leaders for their actions in Gaza. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the lack of humanitarian aid reaching the strip, citing the need for immediate relief efforts. However, Katz revealed that humanitarian aid has been blocked in order to pressure Hamas, who has been accused of diverting aid for their own purposes.

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized Guterres for failing to address the issue of hostages held by Hamas, whose actions sparked the current conflict. Danon emphasized that Israel will not consider the war over until all remaining hostages are safely returned home.

As tensions continue to escalate in Gaza, Israel remains steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens. The IDF will maintain a presence in the buffer zones to prevent future threats and protect Israeli communities from harm.