Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israeli troops will remain in designated security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria indefinitely. This decision could complicate ongoing discussions with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Israeli forces have captured over half of Gaza in a renewed offensive aimed at pressuring Hamas to free hostages. This follows the end of a ceasefire last month. Additionally, Israel has not withdrawn from areas in Lebanon after a ceasefire with Hezbollah last year and has established a buffer zone in southern Syria.
Katz emphasized that, unlike previous military operations, the Israeli military will not evacuate areas that have been cleared. He stated that these security zones will serve as a buffer to protect Israeli communities.
The presence of Israeli troops in these areas is viewed by Palestinians and neighboring countries as a military occupation, which they argue violates international law. Hamas has made it clear that it will not release hostages without Israel fully withdrawing from Gaza and establishing a lasting ceasefire.
The families of the hostages expressed frustration, accusing Israel of prioritizing territorial control over the release of loved ones. They advocated for an agreement that would secure the return of all hostages simultaneously, even if it means ending the conflict.
Israel argues that maintaining control over these security zones is essential to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attack, during which Hamas militants entered southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals.
The situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically, with over 51,000 Palestinians reported killed since the offensive began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The death toll includes many women and children. Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants but has not provided evidence to support this figure.
The ongoing military actions have rendered large parts of Gaza uninhabitable, displacing about 90% of the population. Many of these individuals have faced multiple displacements and are now living in overcrowded tent camps with limited access to food and supplies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. He has also indicated plans to implement a controversial proposal for the resettlement of Gaza’s population in other countries, which has faced widespread rejection from Palestinians and Arab nations.
The Trump administration, which previously helped broker a ceasefire in January, has expressed full support for Israel’s actions and has cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza. Efforts by U.S. officials to negotiate a new ceasefire that favors Israel have not made significant progress.
Netanyahu leads a government that is the most nationalist and religious in Israel’s history, with coalition partners advocating for the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza. Although Israel withdrew its forces and dismantled settlements in Gaza in 2005, it still controls most of the territory’s borders, airspace, and coastline, maintaining a blockade since Hamas took power in 2007.
The situation remains tense, with both sides entrenched in their positions and little sign of a resolution in sight.