Gaza Buffer Zones: Israel’s Strategy Against Hamas
On Wednesday, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that the Israeli military has been seizing significant areas in Gaza to establish buffer zones devoid of inhabitants. This strategy aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages held since the onset of the conflict. Katz remarked during his visit to the newly created Morag Corridor, which connects the southern Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis, that the ongoing military operations have effectively made Gaza smaller and more isolated.
Katz urged the residents of Gaza to take action against Hamas to facilitate the return of hostages. He emphasized that this approach is the only viable solution to end the ongoing conflict. The Defence Minister conveyed a stark warning, indicating that the military’s operations would intensify across Gaza until both the hostages are freed and Hamas faces defeat. He also referenced efforts aligned with former US President Donald Trump’s proposed plan for the voluntary emigration of Gaza’s residents.
Resumption of Hostilities in Gaza
Following a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, Israel resumed heavy bombardments on the Gaza Strip on March 18. Attempts to restore peace have proven unsuccessful thus far. Reports from Gaza’s civil defense agency detailed the tragic consequences of renewed hostilities, including an airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City that resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, many of whom were women and children.
In response to inquiries regarding the airstrike, the Israeli military stated that the target was a senior Hamas figure responsible for orchestrating terrorist attacks. However, they did not disclose the individual’s identity. The Israeli officials reiterated their allegation that Hamas employs civilian populations as ‘human shields,’ a claim that has been vehemently denied by the militant group.
