Israel intends to maintain “security control“ in the Gaza Strip even after the cessation of hostilities, announced Defense Minister Israel Katz, quoted by DPA and BTA.
“Full freedom of action“
In a post on the social network “Ex“, Katz specified that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will operate freely in Gaza even after the destruction of “Hamas““'s military and administrative capacity. The situation will be similar to that in the West Bank, where Israeli forces conduct constant military operations despite the Palestinian Authority's control over the region.
“We will not tolerate any terror against Israeli communities and citizens of the Gaza Strip. We will not allow a return to the normality of before October 7,“ Katz said.
The conflict and its aftermath
The attack on October 7, 2023, in which fighters from “Hamas“ and other armed groups infiltrated Israel from Gaza, resulted in 1,200 casualties and over 250 abductions. The events sparked the war in the Gaza Strip, where Palestinian sources say more than 45,000 people have died so far.
„Hamas“ is demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to hostilities as conditions for achieving a lasting ceasefire. For its part, Israel is adamant that it will not allow a resurgence of the Islamist organization.
Ongoing clashes
Meanwhile, the IDF reported today that two Israeli soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Gaza.