Israel’s defense minister has made a bold statement about the country’s intentions in Gaza. He indicated that Israel plans to take control of large areas of Gaza, possibly on a permanent basis, to establish a larger security buffer zone. However, specifics about which regions will be targeted remain unclear, even as Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have begun operations in Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
This announcement has sparked frustration among families of hostages held by Hamas. They accused the minister, Yoav Katz, of prioritizing land acquisition over the safety of the 59 hostages still in Gaza. In response, Katz reassured them that ensuring the return of the hostages is his top priority. Nevertheless, there are indications that military actions have not yet yielded the desired results.
Since the ceasefire ended a little over two weeks ago, Israeli forces have intensified their operations, issuing daily evacuation orders for various parts of Gaza. The aim appears to be to push Hamas back to the negotiating table, hoping to secure a new truce and the release of hostages under terms favorable to Israel. However, Hamas maintains its stance, demanding an end to the conflict and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for the hostages.
Reports from Gaza suggest that Hamas is not putting up much resistance against the IDF. Although some missiles have been launched into Israel, the group’s overall response seems limited. The IDF’s advance into Rafah may be less challenging this time, as the city has been heavily damaged and largely emptied due to prior fighting.
As the conflict escalates, many Gazans are once again fleeing their homes, carrying whatever they can. They are seeking refuge in humanitarian zones, which have faced repeated attacks from Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, the attention of the White House appears to be elsewhere, with issues like tariffs and the war in Ukraine taking precedence. This lack of focus, combined with ongoing support for Israel from former President Trump, has given Prime Minister Netanyahu more freedom to act. If Netanyahu decides to annex parts of Gaza for Israel’s long-term security, indications suggest that the U.S. may support this move.