Israel Katz declares Israel will never leave Gaza and plans northern settlements

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Tel Aviv administration will “never leave” Gaza, will establish a broad security buffer zone, and will allow settlers to live in the northern Gaza Strip.

According to a report by the Times of Israel, Katz stated in a declaration, “There will be a wide security zone surrounding the Gaza Strip.”

Detailing plans for the northern section, Katz said, “I believe that in the northern region, when the time comes, it will be possible to establish ‘Nahal core’ centers in a regular manner.”

“Nahal core” refers to youth settlement communities overseen by the Israeli military’s Nahal Brigade, which combine public service with military duty.

Katz’s remarks contradict the ceasefire agreement in effect since October 10 between Hamas and Israel, which is based on a plan by Donald Trump.

The Israeli Defense Minister used similar expressions during a speech addressed to settler leaders on Tuesday. According to reports in the Hebrew press, these words drew a reaction from the administration of US President Donald Trump, and Katz was forced to step back on the same day.

Casualties in Beit Lahiya

In addition to political tension, violence continues on the ground. A Palestinian lost his life and many others were injured as a result of an Israeli military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeting civilians in the northern Gaza Strip. The attack in question was recorded as a new violation of the ceasefire.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), medical sources reported that Sami Ahmed Abu Darabi died and others were injured in a UAV strike on a gathering of citizens in the Tel ez-Zafer area of the Beit Lahiya township.

Earlier in the day, information was shared that two Palestinians, one of them a woman, were injured by fire opened by Israeli soldiers in the Abu Halave area of Jabalia. Eyewitnesses reported that fire was opened on civilians from Israeli military vehicles stationed east of Jabalia.

Israeli warplanes carried out heavy airstrikes in the east of Gaza City, central parts of the region, and the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.

Israeli artillery also bombed many points in the east of Gaza City, while the attacks were accompanied by intense fire from Israeli helicopters.

Jordan receives the body

Meanwhile, Jordan received the body of its citizen from Israel, who caused the deaths of two Israelis in an armed attack at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge connecting the West Bank and the kingdom in September and was killed at the scene.

According to the official Jordanian news agency Petra, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Fuad al-Majali stated that the ministry followed the repatriation process of Abdulmuttalib al-Qaisi’s body in coordination with relevant institutions.

Al-Majali said, “The body was received via the King Hussein Bridge and handed over to his family for burial.”

Al-Qaisi opened fire on two Israelis at the border crossing on September 18 while driving a relief truck bound for the Gaza Strip and lost his life to return fire from Israeli security forces.