Damage in Gaza part of a ‘premeditated strategy,’ says Israeli Defense Minister; army will stay in territory

Israel Katz, Israel’s Defense Minister, has stated that the widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip is the result of a “deliberate policy” aimed at eliminating threats to the Jewish state.

During an inspection in the northern part of Gaza, his statements were broadcast by Israeli television Channel 14. When asked how the sight of destruction in the enclave made him feel, Katz replied: “It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?”, emphasizing that the damage is the result of a well-thought-out strategy by the Israeli leadership.

The minister stressed that the Jewish state has transformed its military doctrine in Gaza, abandoning temporary incursions. “Instead of going in and out of the area, now our forces stay there, militants are out and buildings are demolished,” Israel Katz said.

During the visit, he also revealed the intention to establish three Nahal-model outposts in northern Gaza, in areas where Israeli settlements once stood before Israel withdrew from the territory in 2005. Nahal units are closely tied to the Israeli armed forces and have historically served as a springboard for new outposts that later became civilian settlements. According to the minister, their deployment is justified by security needs and will increase Israeli oversight of the region, as well as protecting communities near the border. Meanwhile, Gaza still faces a deep humanitarian crisis.

Data from local health authorities show that the number of Palestinians killed since the start of the Israeli military operation in October 2023 has exceeded 73,000, while over 173,000 others have been wounded. According to these sources, women and children account for the vast majority of victims. Israel casts doubt on the casualty reporting methods of Gaza authorities, but the United Nations and other international bodies have considered these figures to be fundamentally reliable.

The conflict has destroyed a large part of the region’s infrastructure and has forced almost the entire population of the territory to be displaced.