Israel has informed the United States that it intends to keep a military foothold in three strategic areas of Gaza for the foreseeable future, even after the broader withdrawal of IDF troops, Kan News reported.
The report stated that Israel plans to maintain its presence in a security buffer zone surrounding Gaza, along the Philadelphi Route bordering Egypt, and on “Hill 70,” a vital high-ground position overlooking Nachal Oz. That ridge once served as the eastern edge of Gaza City’s Shujaiya neighborhood and holds significant tactical importance.
Earlier in the evening, a senior diplomatic official reaffirmed that Israeli forces remain fully operational in Gaza and emphasized that no ceasefire agreement has been reached with Hamas.
“We are now in the first stage of this framework,” the source said. “The IDF remains in Gaza, and any withdrawal will be only to the yellow line and to the encirclement of Gaza City during the hostage release stage.”
The official added that this stage should not be mistaken for a truce. “No one is withdrawing at this point — this is a reduction of fire, not a ceasefire. In the first stage, all hostages will be released, and from there, negotiations will continue.”
{Matzav.com}
