Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, April 14, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israeli Troops to Remain in Gaza Buffer Zones After Any Settlement, Says Defence Minister
April 16, 2025
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that Israeli forces would remain in the buffer zones established within the Gaza Strip even after any future ceasefire or political settlement, citing security concerns amid stalled efforts to revive truce negotiations.
Israel Expands “Security Zones” in Gaza
Since resuming military operations last month, Israeli forces have established a broad network of “security zones” across Gaza, significantly limiting Palestinian movement and concentrating over two million civilians into increasingly restricted areas in the south and along the Mediterranean coastline.
“Unlike in the past, the IDF is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized,” Katz said following a meeting with senior military commanders. “The IDF will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and the communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza—similar to our presence in Lebanon and Syria.”
According to a military summary released Wednesday, Israeli forces now control approximately 30% of the Gaza Strip. This includes the strategic southern city of Rafah, the Morag corridor leading to the sea, and the central Netzarim area. A buffer zone has also been expanded around Gaza’s perimeter, including the Shejaia district near Gaza City.
Humanitarian Impact and International Concerns
The military campaign has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations and several European governments. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced since March 18, when hostilities resumed following a two-month lull. Over 1,630 people have been killed during this period, according to local health authorities.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described the situation in Gaza as a “mass grave,” with emergency coordinator Amande Bazerolle warning of the complete destruction and displacement of the population.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which is administered by Hamas, reported that Israeli restrictions on fuel, medicine, and food imports are severely disrupting operations in the few remaining functional hospitals.
Blockade and Humanitarian Access
While Katz indicated that infrastructure is being prepared to eventually enable the distribution of aid through civilian companies, he confirmed that the current blockade on humanitarian supplies would remain in place. He also reiterated Israeli intentions to facilitate the voluntary departure of Gazans from the enclave, though it remains uncertain which nations would accept large numbers of Palestinian refugees.
Ceasefire Talks Remain Stalled
Katz’s remarks reinforced Israel’s position that any ceasefire must include the complete disarmament of Hamas—an ultimatum the militant group has firmly rejected. In a statement on Wednesday, Hamas reaffirmed its stance, stating that any agreement must guarantee a permanent cessation of hostilities, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the lifting of the blockade, and the start of reconstruction efforts.
Despite media reports suggesting progress, Israeli officials stated this week that ceasefire talks have produced no concrete results. As of now, 59 Israeli hostages remain held in Gaza, and discussions concerning a possible prisoner exchange have stalled.
Protests in Israel have continued, with demonstrators calling for an end to hostilities and the return of the hostages.
Toll of the Conflict
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to the October 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others, according to Israeli sources.
Since then, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 51,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Much of the territory has been reduced to rubble, and many residents have been displaced multiple times.
On Wednesday, Palestinian medical authorities reported that an Israeli airstrike killed 10 people, including Fatema Hassouna, a prominent writer and photographer known for documenting the conflict. A separate strike reportedly killed three more individuals in a northern district.
COMMENTS