Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops will stay indefinitely in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as the military tightens its control over these areas. In a statement, Katz emphasized that unlike in the past, the Israeli military will not withdraw from areas it has cleared of threats.
The military aims to establish security zones in these territories to protect Israeli communities from potential attacks. Katz mentioned that 30 percent of Gaza has been designated as a security buffer zone. Since resuming military operations against Hamas on March 18, Israel has targeted around 1,200 locations it describes as terrorist targets.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that his goal is to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of 59 hostages believed to be held by the group. However, Hamas has stated it will not agree to release the captives without an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire.
In a troubling development, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group released a video of a captive, Rom Braslavski, who appeared distressed and pleaded for an end to the violence. The families of the hostages have criticized the Israeli government for prioritizing territorial control over the safety of the captives.
Israel justifies its military presence by referencing the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths and numerous abductions. Netanyahu has also indicated plans to implement a controversial proposal for resettling much of Gaza’s population in other countries, which he describes as “voluntary emigration.”
In Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun expressed concerns that Israel’s ongoing military presence is obstructing the Lebanese army’s deployment in southern regions, as outlined in a ceasefire agreement. Despite a deal to withdraw troops, Israel has only partially pulled out, maintaining a presence in at least five locations.
Recent Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in two fatalities, adding to the civilian toll, which has exceeded 70 deaths since the ceasefire began in November.
In Syria, Israel has established military posts, including on Mount Hermon, following extensive airstrikes after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli government has refused to withdraw from these territories, despite international criticism.
In a controversial move, Katz stated that no humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza, arguing that this policy is a means to pressure Hamas. Israeli officials have blocked aid for over six weeks, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. The United Nations has condemned this obstruction, stating that aid delivery has been hindered for too long.
As airstrikes continue, at least 35 people were reported killed in Gaza on Wednesday, including a Palestinian journalist and several members of her family. The situation remains dire, with calls for humanitarian assistance growing louder amid the ongoing conflict.