Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops will not leave Gaza’s buffer zone even after the war is over.
On Wednesday, Hamas appeared to reject the Israelis’ ceasefire contract, which saw the return of almost 12 hostages that have been taken prisoner for more than 550 days. Israel resumed combat operations on the strip last month after the previous ceasefire agreement collapsed before Israel and Hamas reached Phase 2.
Israeli Prime Minister Benamin Netanyahu, the Centre, Israeli Defense Minister Katz, Israeli Defense Force Chief Ai Zamir and other security officials are conducting security assessments in Kiriya, Tel Aviv. (Prime Minister of Israel)
Hamas refuses Israel’s ceasefire and hostage return contracts against demand for disarmament
“Unlike the past, the IDF has not withdrawn from the cleared and captured regions. [Israeli Defense Forces] The IDF will remain in the security zone as a buffer between the enemy and the Israeli community under temporary or permanent arrangements in Gaza. Just like in Lebanon and Syria,” Katz said in a statement Wednesday.
The buffer zone established by Israel along the Gaza border accounts for 30% of the strip. According to the Israeli era. The outlet also reported that Israeli forces are working on creating a Morag corridor that will block the southern city of Rafa from Khan Yunis.
Hamas reportedly “a transaction that “no real guarantee to halt the war, achieve a full withdrawal, lift the blockade and begin reconstruction will become a political trap.” According to Reuters.
IDF forces surround the Teral Sultan of Rafa in Gaza, who dismantled local terror infrastructure sites and terrorists. The IDF said operations have been taken to increase control and expand the security zone in southern Gaza. (IDF)
With Trump’s support, Israel is pushed deeper into Gaza as pressure is built for hostage trade
Since resuming operations in March, Israel has been criticized by leaders of international organizations who sought an immediate ceasefire.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “very worried” about the situation and the lack of humanitarian aid. Katz confirmed on Wednesday that humanitarian assistance was being blocked to put pressure on Hamas, who is accused of stealing aid.
The Palestinian boy is carrying aid boxes provided by UNRWA during a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza city on February 3, 2025. (Reuters/Daud Auburkas)
UN Ambassador Danny Danone of the Israeli Nations condemned Guterres’ statement, saying, “There is no problem with the UN Secretary-General clearly condemning Israel’s war on defense in Gaza and clearly calling for a ceasefire.
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“This war will not end until all of the remaining 59 hostages are returned from brutal prisoners,” Danon added.
