Israel to extend troops in Gaza 'security zones': Katz

Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday (April 16) that the country will extend its "security zones" in Gaza to include the southern city of Rafah, reports BBC.

During a visit to the area, Katz emphasized that the Israeli military is working to make Gaza "smaller" and "more isolated" in a bid to force Hamas to release the hostages it still holds.

Katz stated that Israeli forces would continue to protect the country’s citizens by maintaining these buffer zones, regardless of whether the situation in Gaza is temporary or permanent. "Even after the war is over, Israeli troops will protect the country’s citizens in these zones," Katz said.

He also claimed that since the start of the new operation in Gaza three weeks ago, Israel has occupied "ten percent of the territory" of Palestine. Katz further stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would not leave the areas cleared and occupied, reinforcing Israel's long-term presence in Gaza, as well as in areas of Lebanon and Syria.

Israel's policy, Katz explained, prioritizes securing the release of all hostages before efforts to defeat Hamas can proceed. However, Hamas has rejected the possibility of a ceasefire without Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza. A Hamas statement released on Wednesday warned that any ceasefire without clear guarantees, including troop withdrawal, lifting the blockade, and initiating reconstruction, would be seen as a "political trap."

Meanwhile, the Israeli Hostage and Missing Families Forum criticized Katz’s plan, calling it "a fantasy." The forum argued that the only viable solution for securing the hostages' release was through a negotiated deal, possibly involving a ceasefire. Hamas is believed to be holding 59 hostages in Gaza, 24 of whom are still alive.

In a related development, Israeli reservists and former soldiers have issued an open letter calling for the prioritization of hostages’ release over the ongoing military campaign against Hamas.