Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has renewed his push to establish illegal settlements in the northern Gaza Strip, stating his intention to set up three Nahal outposts—military entities combining farming with armed presence—to consolidate control over the territory. Katz told Channel 14 that these settlements would enhance security but must be executed "in the right way, at the right timing, while coordinating."

This marks a continuation of Katz’s stance from December, when he said the Israeli military would "never leave all of Gaza" and planned to establish Nahal posts despite a United States-brokered plan calling for a full Israeli military withdrawal and prohibiting the re-establishment of settlements.

Israeli forces have also expanded the "Yellow Line," which demarcates Israeli-controlled areas within Gaza, to cover 70 percent of the Strip. Katz emphasized that Israel will not retreat from this line "unequivocally, as long as Hamas does not truly disarm, and even after that, we remain inside Gaza," describing the destruction of the territory as "the result of a deliberate policy."

The United Nations reports that at least 265 children have died during this period, with hunger persisting and the healthcare system suffering from acute medicine shortages. Issam Younis, director of the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, criticized the Israeli strategy, stating that only 20 percent of Gaza's needs related to water, health, and general life have been allowed entry. He described Gaza as "being starved and parched for water," interpreting the aim as expulsion of the population "even if they call it voluntary migration."

An analyst named Liel noted that Israel is doing the minimum on humanitarian efforts to avoid upsetting US President Donald Trump, who has established the Board of Peace to oversee Gaza's administration and reconstruction.

The situation reflects a broader Israeli strategy involving settlement expansion, obstruction of aid, and territorial control aimed at forcing Palestinians out of Gaza.

Sources