Israel will keep Gaza buffer zone, minister says, as ceasefire efforts stall

April 16, 2025 4:40 PM

Israel will keep Gaza buffer zone, minister says, as ceasefire efforts stall

Israeli troops will remain in the buffer zones they have created in Gaza even after any settlement to end the war, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, as efforts to revive a ceasefire agreement faltered. Since resuming their operation last month, Israeli forces have carved out a broad "security zone" extending deep into Gaza and squeezing more than 2 million Palestinians into ever smaller areas in the south and along the coastline. "Unlike in the past, the IDF is not evacuating are...

Israel to seize parts of Gaza as military operation expands

April 2, 2025 5:42 PM

Israel to seize parts of Gaza as military operation expands

Israel announced a major expansion of military operations in Gaza on Wednesday, saying large areas of the enclave would be seized and added to its security zones, accompanied by large-scale evacuations of the population. In a statement, Defence Minister Israel Katz said evacuations would take place from areas where there was fighting, while urging Gazans to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages as the only way to end the war. He said the operation would clear out militants and infrastruc...

Israel to expand Gaza military operation with large-scale evacuations

April 2, 2025 2:03 PM

Israel to expand Gaza military operation with large-scale evacuations

Israel announced a major expansion of military operations in Gaza on Wednesday, saying large areas of the enclave would be seized and added to its security zones, accompanied by large-scale evacuations of the population. Israeli leaders have been encouraged by signs of protest in Gaza against Hamas, the militant group that has controlled the enclave since 2007, and the expanded operation appeared at least partly aimed at increasing civilian pressure on its leaders. In a statement, Defence Mini...