Israel will continue controlling buffer zone, Katz says

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that his country will keep controlling the buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt, including the Philadelphi Corridor, even if a deal is reached to end the war.

Katz made the statements during a visit to the new "Morag Corridor" between the southern Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.

“Large areas are being seized and added to Israel’s security zones, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated,” said Katz.

He threatened that the military would “move to more intense fighting throughout Gaza until the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated”.