Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israeli troops will continue to occupy designated “security zones” in Gaza, even after hostilities come to an end. This declaration comes amid ongoing military operations that began three weeks ago, during which significant portions of Palestinian territory have been seized.
Security zones and humanitarian impact
Katz emphasized that these zones are intended to serve as a protective “buffer” for Israeli communities, ensuring safety in both temporary and permanent situations. He indicated that since the resumption of military action, a substantial portion—reported as “tens of per cent”—of Gaza has been incorporated into these zones. Furthermore, the Israeli government plans to maintain a blockade on humanitarian aid, which it asserts is necessary to compel Hamas to release hostages. This decision has drawn sharp criticism, with the United Nations warning of dire consequences for civilians caught in the conflict.
“We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza,” stated Amande Bazerolle, the emergency coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Casualties and ongoing military strategies
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 1,650 individuals have lost their lives since the conflict resumed on March 18, with at least 24 casualties reported just on Wednesday from Israeli strikes, primarily concentrated in northern Gaza City. This includes the tragic loss of ten members from the Hassouna family, including children and women.
The UN has indicated that approximately 69% of Gaza is currently under active Israeli military evacuation orders, creating a vast “no-go” zone along the borders with Israel and Egypt. Consequently, an estimated 500,000 individuals have been newly displaced. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have eliminated “hundreds of terrorists,” and new military corridors have been established, further isolating key areas such as Rafah from neighboring Khan Younis.
Katz also reiterated that Israel’s primary objective remains the safe return of all hostages. He mentioned that the IDF would not abandon any cleared areas, securing them as buffer zones similar to strategies previously employed in Lebanon and Syria. In a contrasting perspective, Hamas insists that any ceasefire must include a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel criticized Katz’s statements as illusory, stating that the focus should be on the immediate release of hostages rather than territorial gains. This sentiment has been echoed by Israeli military reservists advocating for prioritizing hostage recovery over military objectives.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in Gaza, with MSF reporting critical shortages of medical supplies and a dramatic rise in malnutrition among children. They assert that the ongoing blockade has exacerbated the crisis, as the influx of humanitarian aid has been halted since March 2nd.
The current conflict erupted following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and the abduction of several individuals. Since the hostilities resumed, the health ministry in Gaza has reported over 51,025 fatalities. During a brief ceasefire earlier in January, both sides engaged in negotiations that led to the release of hostages and a temporary increase in humanitarian aid.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, with hopes for a resolution that addresses the humanitarian crisis and the pressing issue of hostages held by Hamas.