Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday announced that Israeli forces will remain stationed in buffer zones created inside Gaza, even after any potential settlement to end the ongoing conflict. This statement comes amid faltering attempts to revive a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Since resuming its military campaign in mid-March, the Israeli military has established a “security zone” across vast areas of Gaza, significantly reducing the territory accessible to more than 2 million Palestinians. According to Gallant, “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 – as in Lebanon and Syria.”
Israeli forces now reportedly control about 30% of Gaza, including key zones in the south such as the border city of Rafah and the Morag corridor, extending to the Mediterranean Sea. The military has also reinforced a central corridor in Netzarim and created buffer zones deep into northern and eastern Gaza.
Israel claims to have killed hundreds of Hamas fighters, including senior commanders. However, the operation has drawn increasing concern from the United Nations and European governments. According to the UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced since March 18, and over 1,630 people have been killed during this latest phase of the conflict.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) described Gaza as a “mass grave,” warning of a collapsing humanitarian situation as aid deliveries remain blocked. Israel has maintained a blockade on humanitarian supplies since early March, though Defence Minister Katz stated infrastructure is being created to enable distribution through private firms in the future.
Katz also reiterated Israel’s position that any permanent ceasefire must include the disarmament of Hamas, a demand the group continues to reject. Hamas warned that any ceasefire without guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal, an end to the blockade, and reconstruction efforts would be “a political trap.”
Efforts by Egyptian mediators to broker a truce have made no headway, according to Israeli officials, despite reports suggesting a potential exchange deal for some of the remaining 59 Israeli hostages.
The conflict, triggered by the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel—which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage—has resulted in the deaths of at least 51,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times.
On Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed at least 35 more Palestinians, including Fatema Hassouna, a prominent writer and photographer. Strikes on Khan Younis and other areas also caused multiple civilian casualties. Gaza’s health ministry reported worsening conditions in hospitals due to Israel’s blockade on fuel, medicine, and food.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as ceasefire hopes fade and military operations intensify.
