Israeli Defense Minister Declares Continued Military Presence in Gaza Post-War

Israel's Defense Minister has stated that military forces will remain in designated security zones in Gaza after the current conflict, aiming to establish a buffer against Hamas. The announcement coincides with escalating humanitarian concerns, with various organizations warning of dire conditions for civilians as the Israeli blockade continues.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israeli troops will stay in “security zones” throughout Gaza, even after the current conflict concludes. Katz emphasized that these zones, which have expanded significantly since Israel resumed its military offensive three weeks ago, will serve as a protective buffer for Israeli communities against potential threats from Hamas. He disclosed that “tens of percent” of Palestinian territory has been taken since the escalation of violence began.

Despite mounting international outcry regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel’s blockade on aid, aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages, will remain in effect. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has recently echoed concerns that ongoing military actions and aid restrictions have transformed the region into a site of extensive suffering and loss of life. According to local health officials, over 1,650 Palestinians have been killed since March 18, with the most recent airstrikes resulting in at least 24 additional fatalities, many of whom were children from the Hassouna family.

As hostilities continue, the UN has reported that around 69% of Gaza is currently subjected to Israeli evacuation orders. Approximately 500,000 individuals have been displaced again, fueling an already dire humanitarian crisis, with nowhere safe to turn. The Israeli government contends that its military operations have led to the death of numerous militants, and Katz confirmed that Israel's priority remains bringing back hostages and ultimately defeating Hamas.

However, Hamas has firmly rejected calls for disarmament and has insisted that any ceasefire must include a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel has described the Defense Minister's assertions as an “illusion,” emphasizing the need for hostage freedom to take precedence over territorial control. Recent letters from military reservists and veterans echo this sentiment, urging that hostage recovery should not be subordinated to military objectives.

Katz also signified that the blockade on Gaza remains a critical tool in Israel's strategy, aiming to thwart Hamas from employing humanitarian supplies against the civilian population. The UN has contested Israel's claims that adequate supplies have entered Gaza, asserting that the blockade could potentially contravene international humanitarian laws. Reports from UN agencies reveal alarming shortages of food, medical supplies, and basic necessities, raising concerns about increasing acute malnutrition, especially among children.

This ongoing conflict has roots in the unprecedented cross-border violence witnessed on October 7, which led to widespread casualties and numerous Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Following a short-lived ceasefire, the recent resumption of hostilities has provoked intensified violence, with an incessant cycle of retaliatory measures from both sides, leaving many in a state of despair as the humanitarian crisis deepens.