Israel to Keep Troops in Gaza Security Zones After War, Says Defense Minister

Israel to Maintain Troops in Gaza 'Security Zones' Post-War, Minister Confirms

Strategic Buffer Zones to Remain Despite Ceasefire Prospects

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israeli troops will remain in designated “security zones” within the Gaza Strip even after the conclusion of the current military campaign. These areas, seized during recent operations, are intended to act as a protective buffer for Israeli communities.

According to Katz, the buffer zones will serve to shield Israeli citizens in both temporary and permanent scenarios. He stated that a significant portion of Gaza—"tens of per cent"—has come under Israeli control since the military offensive resumed three weeks ago.

Blockade Maintained Amidst International Outcry

Katz also confirmed that Israel will persist with its blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a move designed to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The blockade, in place since 2 March, has been condemned by international organizations including the United Nations and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which highlighted severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.

MSF warned that Gaza has effectively become “a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance.” Amande Bazerolle, the charity’s emergency coordinator in Gaza, stated:

“We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza.”

Mounting Civilian Casualties and Displacement

Gaza’s health authorities report that over 1,650 people have been killed since the offensive resumed on 18 March. On Wednesday alone, at least 24 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes, including 10 members of the Hassouna family in Gaza City. Among the deceased was Fatema Hassouna, a young writer and photographer.

The United Nations estimates that 69% of the territory is now under active evacuation orders, encompassing zones near the Israeli and Egyptian borders and the Wadi Gaza area. Approximately 500,000 people have been displaced or forced to flee once again, with no safe areas remaining.

Military Advances and Strategic Control

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it has killed "hundreds of terrorists" during its campaign, which includes new troop advances in northern and southern Gaza. A newly formed corridor now isolates Rafah from neighboring Khan Younis, and 30% of Gaza has been labeled as an "operational security perimeter."

Minister Katz emphasized that these areas will not be vacated by Israeli forces after the conflict, diverging from past strategies.

“The IDF will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and [Israeli] communities... as in Lebanon and Syria,” he noted.

Hostage Situation Sparks National Debate

While reaffirming that the primary objective remains the release of hostages held by Hamas, Katz’s statement has drawn criticism from various groups, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The forum denounced the strategy as an "illusion" and accused the government of prioritizing territorial control over human lives.

“They promised that the hostages come before everything. In practice, however, Israel is choosing to seize territory first,” the forum said.

Dozens of Israeli military veterans and reservists have also signed open letters demanding that the return of hostages take precedence over ongoing combat operations.

Humanitarian Conditions Continue to Deteriorate

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, with aid organizations reporting that basic supplies—such as tents, antibiotics, and surgical tools—are running dangerously low. The United Nations rebuked Israel’s claim that prior aid deliveries during a ceasefire were sufficient, warning that the current blockade could violate international law.

MSF added that its operations are severely strained due to insecurity and shortages. The organization lost two staff members in recent weeks and accused the Israeli military of showing “complete disregard” for medical personnel, following the deaths of 15 emergency workers last month.

Background of the Conflict

The ongoing Israeli military campaign was launched in response to the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 51,025 casualties.

A temporary ceasefire in January led to the release of 33 Israeli hostages—eight of whom were already deceased—in exchange for nearly 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. It also facilitated a temporary withdrawal of Israeli troops and an influx of humanitarian aid.

The truce collapsed when Israel accused Hamas of failing to uphold the terms, particularly concerning the release of additional hostages. Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the agreement and insisted that any permanent ceasefire must include full withdrawal of Israeli forces, an end to the blockade, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts.

Ongoing Negotiations and International Pressure

Recent reports indicate that Hamas rejected a new Israeli proposal for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the surviving hostages and the disarmament of Hamas fighters. However, sources close to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office told Haaretz that no official response had yet been received.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video featuring Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old Israeli-German hostage, appealing under duress for his release. The German ambassador to Israel condemned the video and reiterated the urgency of freeing all hostages.

As the situation intensifies, international actors and humanitarian organizations continue to demand an immediate resolution to prevent further civilian suffering.

Stay tuned to world news with The Horizons Times for continuing coverage and in-depth reporting on the evolving crisis in Gaza and the wider Middle East region.