Netanyahu vows Israeli forces will remain in Gaza as tensions rise

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip, stressing that military operations in the area will continue following the recent escalation.

In a video address from Gaza, Netanyahu stated that the army currently controls 60% of the territory and aims to expand this control. He added that his government seeks to make Gaza a demilitarized zone that poses no threat to Israel.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced the arrest of Muin Al-Arabid, head of Hamas's internal security service, during an operation in northern Gaza, saying he will be questioned for information. Netanyahu also said Israeli forces detained the Hamas intelligence chief yesterday.

Defense minister: 70% of Gaza destroyed and under control

For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that 70% of Gaza's territory has been destroyed and is free of tunnels and infrastructure, now fully under Israeli military control. He warned that military operations will continue and that any fire from Gaza will be met with a strong and clear response.

Hamas calls for mediator intervention to halt escalation

In response, Hamas called on mediators and guarantors in a statement yesterday to exert maximum pressure on the Israeli government to stop what it described as "escalating violations" in Gaza, and to ensure respect for the ceasefire agreement and its obligations.

The ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025 with US support halted large-scale fighting but did not end Israeli attacks. Israel says its operations aim to prevent attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian factions, while Hamas accuses Israel of violating the agreement and undermining efforts to implement a broader plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, which includes Israeli withdrawal and disarmament of the movement.