Israel to keep troops in Gaza indefinitely

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that troops will "remain indefinitely" in the occupied areas of Gaza, which he referred to as "security zones". He also declared a continued ban on humanitarian aid into Gaza, openly stating that food and supplies are being withheld as a "pressure tool" against Hamas.

The move has drawn fierce condemnation from international humanitarian organisations, which have warned of mass starvation and medical collapse in the besieged territory of 2.4 million people.

Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza intensified Wednesday, with at least 23 Palestinians killed in a single day amid heavy airstrikes across the strip. Medical sources reported multiple attacks in Gaza City and the north, including a deadly bombardment on Al-Nafaq Street that claimed 10 lives from the Hassouna family. Three others were killed in a separate strike on Al-Sha'af, while artillery also targeted Abasan Al-Kabira in southern Gaza.

The Gaza Government Media Office says over 61,700 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its war on the territory, with thousands more still trapped beneath the rubble.

Meanwhile, the Qassam Brigades said it had lost contact with the unit guarding US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander, believed to be in an area recently bombarded by Israeli forces.