Israel to Keep Troops in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon: Defence Minister

Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israeli forces will remain indefinitely in designated “security zones” across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. His remarks could complicate ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations with Hamas.

At the same time, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza reportedly killed 22 people, including a baby girl who was less than a year old. Her injured mother held her in a bloodied blue-and-white dress before the girl was laid to rest.

Security Zones to Stay Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Katz stated that unlike previous conflicts, the Israeli military would not withdraw from areas it has already secured. “The IDF will stay in these buffer zones between Israeli communities and enemy territories—temporarily or permanently—in Gaza, as well as in Lebanon and Syria,” he said.

He emphasized that maintaining control over these zones is essential to prevent future attacks like Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault, in which militants killed over 1,200 people and kidnapped 251. Israel believes a persistent military presence is necessary for national security.

However, Palestinians and neighboring nations view these zones as illegal military occupations, citing violations of international law.

Mounting Civilian Casualties and Public Outcry

Health officials in Gaza reported over 51,000 Palestinians killed since Israel’s offensive began. While Israel claims to have eliminated around 20,000 militants, it has not provided evidence and does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.

The hostage families’ association criticized Israel’s approach, saying, “They promised the hostages would come first, but are prioritizing territorial control instead.” The group called for a comprehensive agreement that would release all remaining hostages—59 in total, 24 believed alive—even if it means ending the war.

Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, Ahlam Seiam, a one-year-old girl, was killed during an airstrike that targeted the rooftop tent her family had moved into after fleeing Rafah. Her grandfather, Nashat, described waking to the sound of an explosion and finding his son sobbing over Ahlam’s lifeless body. “Wherever you go, death catches up with you,” he said.

Her aunt, Nermin Zughrub, expressed outrage: “Every day—massacres. Every day—children. If the world doesn’t wake up now, when will it?”

Widespread Displacement and Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—roughly 2 million people—has been displaced, many multiple times. The Israeli blockade, in place for over a month, has prevented humanitarian aid from entering. Conditions in tent cities continue to deteriorate, with residents facing food shortages, poor sanitation, and exposure to the elements.

Netanyahu’s Plan and International Rejection

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and retrieve the remaining hostages. He has also proposed a “voluntary emigration” of Gaza’s population as part of former US President Donald Trump’s regional plan—a strategy rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations.

Human rights groups argue that the plan would violate international law and could mirror the 1948 mass expulsion of Palestinians during Israel’s formation.

The Trump administration, which earlier claimed to have helped negotiate a ceasefire, has supported Israel’s latest military actions and its decision to block aid. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is attempting to mediate a new ceasefire more favorable to Israel, though those efforts have yielded little progress.

Calls for Resettlement Stir Controversy

While Netanyahu’s coalition includes ultra-nationalist and religious factions pushing to re-establish Jewish settlements in Gaza, critics argue that such moves undermine peace and escalate regional instability.

Israel had withdrawn from Gaza in 2005, but it retained control of airspace, coastline, and borders, and joined Egypt in blockading the territory after Hamas took power in 2007.

Since the 1967 Mideast War, Israel has occupied Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. Only the United States has recognized Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights.

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