Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed Wednesday evening that the country intends to maintain control of the Gaza Strip while establishing security zones and buffer zones, Anadolu Agency reports.
Katz’s remarks come as sensitive negotiations on a hostage swap deal and a ceasefire continue, contradicting previous statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about efforts to secure the release of Israeli captives in Gaza.
During a visit to the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, accompanied by senior military officials, Katz said he came to meet commanders and soldiers who, according to his office, are “doing extraordinary work to ensure Israel’s security and create conditions for the release of abductees.”
He emphasized that the Israeli military would retain security control over Gaza to prevent future threats, including tunnels and military infrastructure used by Palestinian resistance factions. …..more