Jerusalem: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the Israeli army will maintain its presence in 'security zones' within the Gaza Strip under any "temporary or permanent situation." Katz emphasized that, unlike past operations, the Israeli army will not withdraw from areas that have been cleared and seized.

According to Anadolu Agency, the defense minister stated that the army will act as a buffer between hostile forces and Israeli communities, similar to its operations in Lebanon and Syria. Katz acknowledged that the military's actions have displaced hundreds of thousands in Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023. The Israeli forces have expanded their controlled regions within the Palestinian enclave as a result.

Katz further articulated Israel's policy of blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, which he described as a strategic move to prevent Hamas from leveraging the aid as a tool among the population. Since March 2, Israel has enforced closures on Gaza's crossings, effectively halting the flow of essential supplies into the region.

The Israeli military intensified its offensive on March 18, disrupting a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January. The escalation has resulted in the deaths of at least 51,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since the conflict's beginning in October 2023.

In a development highlighting international legal challenges, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military actions in the enclave.