Israeli Defence Minister Declares Troop Presence in Gaza to Continue After Conflict

Amid the escalating conflict, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz states that Israeli troops will remain in newly established 'security zones' in Gaza even after the war's conclusion. This move follows fresh strikes that intensified the humanitarian crisis, with significant casualties and displacements reported across the region.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israeli troops will maintain their presence in specific 'security zones' within Gaza, established through military operations that have expanded Israel's territorial control significantly. Katz articulated that these zones are intended to serve as a "buffer" designed to protect Israeli communities "in any temporary or permanent situation." Since the current offensive resumed three weeks prior, it has been reported that Israeli forces have seized control over "tens of percent" of Palestinian territory.

The ongoing violence has resulted in considerable civilian casualties, with at least 24 Palestinians reported killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday alone. Most of the deceased were from Gaza City, including many children and women from the Hassouna family, drawing attention to the humanitarian toll of the conflict. Reports from the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency noted additional fatalities resulting from strikes targeting displaced persons' shelters in Yarmouk Stadium and camps near Khan Younis.

Despite growing international concern regarding the humanitarian situation, Katz reaffirmed Israel's strategy of maintaining a blockade of aid to Gaza. This blockade aims to exert pressure on Hamas for the release of hostages, even as the United Nations warns that the ongoing blockade and military actions are contributing to "devastating" humanitarian repercussions. The UN reports indicate that approximately 69% of Gaza is now classified as a no-go zone, with around 500,000 people displaced due to current military operations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed significant progress in their offensive, asserting that "hundreds of terrorists" have been neutralized. Katz further explained that the IDF would not retreat from the areas they have cleared and secured, marking a shift from previous military strategies that involved withdrawing from occupied areas. He compared the current operational strategy in Gaza to past military efforts in Lebanon and Syria.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been described as dire by various organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which reported shortages of critical medical supplies and facilities overwhelmed with casualties. MSF's emergency coordinator labeled the situation as a "mass grave" for Palestinians, highlighting the acute difficulties faced by civilians and aid workers.

This most recent military campaign was initiated in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, where a reported 1,200 individuals were killed. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in over 51,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health ministry figures, escalating fears that the humanitarian crisis may reach unprecedented levels of severity.

As negotiations for cessation of hostilities persist, including Hamas's rejection of an Israeli ceasefire proposal linking aid to disarmament and hostage release, the outlook for peace remains uncertain, further complicating relief efforts for the affected civilian population.