Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli troops will maintain their presence in Gaza’s buffer zones even after the conclusion of the ongoing conflict.

This announcement comes as Hamas reportedly rejected a proposed Israeli ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held for over 550 days. Following the collapse of a previous ceasefire before reaching phase two, Israel recommenced military operations in Gaza last month.

Katz emphasized, “Unlike before, the IDF will not retreat from areas that have been cleared and captured. The IDF will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and Israeli communities under any temporary or permanent arrangement in Gaza — just as it does in Lebanon and Syria.” 

Reports indicate that the established buffer zones constitute 30% of the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, Israeli forces are reportedly constructing the Morag Corridor, intended to sever the southern city of Rafah from Khan Younis.

Hamas has reportedly stated that any agreement lacking “real guarantees for halting the war, achieving full withdrawal, lifting the blockade, and beginning reconstruction will be a political trap.”

Since resuming operations in March, Israel has faced condemnation from international leaders who are advocating for an immediate ceasefire.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “very concerned” about the situation and the insufficient flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Katz confirmed that humanitarian aid is being restricted to exert pressure on Hamas, which stands accused of misappropriating aid. 

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized Guterres’ statement, asserting that the secretary-general readily condemns Israel’s defensive actions in Gaza and calls for a ceasefire, yet fails to mention the hostages or Hamas, whose actions on October 7, 2023, initiated the conflict.

Danon added, “This war Hamas started will not be over until all of our remaining 59 hostages are returned home from brutal captivity.”