Israel’s Defense Minister has announced that Israeli forces will maintain their hold on newly established buffer zones within Gaza, regardless of any future ceasefire deal. As ceasefire negotiations with Hamas stall, the military presence continues to expand, displacing hundreds of thousands and raising international alarm over the growing humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s Buffer Zone Strategy in Gaza
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from areas seized in Gaza, marking a major policy shift from previous operations. According to Katz, “tens of percent” of Gaza are now under Israeli control, forming part of what is described as a “security zone” to protect Israeli communities.
Key Buffer Zones Established:
- Southern Gaza: IDF now controls around 20% of this area, including the strategic Rafah border and the Morag corridor, which stretches to the Mediterranean Sea.
- Central Gaza: A significant corridor across the Netzarim area remains under military control.
- Northern Gaza: Expansion into areas like Shejaia, near Gaza City.
Humanitarian Impact and International Concern
More than 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced since March 18, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called Gaza a “mass grave,” citing severe shortages in aid and medical supplies.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports:
- Over 1,630 deaths since the latest military escalation.
- 51,000 Palestinians killed since the start of Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
- Ongoing fuel, food, and medicine blockades, crippling hospital services and humanitarian relief.
Aid Blockade and Future Plans
Despite international criticism, Katz said Israel will maintain the blockade on aid, though it is building infrastructure for eventual distribution through civilian companies. He also referenced a controversial plan to allow voluntary emigration of Gazans—though no countries have publicly agreed to accept them.
Ceasefire Talks at a Standstill
Egyptian-led efforts to broker a truce have failed to yield progress. Hamas insists on:
- Full Israeli withdrawal,
- Lifting of the blockade,
- Start of Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israel continues to demand Hamas’s complete disarmament—a red line Hamas refuses to cross.
With 59 hostages still held by Hamas, the Israeli government faces mounting public pressure to strike a deal. Protests have intensified, calling for a resolution to secure the hostages’ release and stop the war.
Casualties and Cultural Loss
Israeli airstrikes continue to cause civilian casualties. Among the latest victims is Fatema Hassouna, a respected writer and photographer. As strikes hit homes across Gaza, Palestinian health officials warn that the death toll will rise sharply without access to aid.
Conclusion
With Israel solidifying its hold over buffer zones and ceasefire negotiations deadlocked, the outlook for peace in Gaza remains bleak. The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe underscores the urgent need for international action as millions face displacement, hunger, and devastation.
