Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz has declared intentions to establish new Israeli settlements in northern Gaza, framing the move as a permanent security measure. The announcement came during a ceremony marking the construction of 1,200 housing units in a West Bank settlement, where Katz revealed plans for what he termed “Nahal” settlements to be implemented “when the time is right.”
Nahal settlements refer to communities historically established by Israeli soldiers. Under international law, all Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal. Katz emphasized Israel’s permanent presence in Gaza, stating, “We are deep inside Gaza and we will never leave all of Gaza – there will be no such thing.” He framed the settlement expansion as protective measures referencing the 21 settlements that existed in Gaza before Israel’s 2005 withdrawal.
The Defense Minister further asserted Israel’s continued military presence across multiple fronts, noting troops remain positioned in Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied West Bank. “We don’t trust anyone, and no one will come and tell us – there will be no agreement, we won’t move a millimetre in Syria,” Katz declared, characterizing the strategy as creating a barrier between “jihadist enemies and our communities.”
Far-right settler organizations including the Nachala Settlement Movement and the Yesha Council welcomed the announcement. The Yesha Council stated the move would “make it clear to the enemy that for the massacre of the 7 October, he is paying with land and in perpetuity.” Nachala claimed over 1,000 families stand ready to settle in Gaza immediately, asserting that “The public is ready, the families are ready, and the area is ready.”
The announcement comes amid escalating ceasefire violations. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israeli forces have committed at least 875 violations since the October ceasefire began. During the 75-day truce period, Israeli operations have resulted in over 411 Palestinian fatalities and 1,112 injuries.
Humanitarian conditions continue deteriorating as Israel restricts aid delivery. Only 17,819 of 43,800 stipulated aid trucks have entered the blockaded territory, creating severe shortages of shelter, medicine, food, and fuel for Gaza’s two million residents. Health officials report over 62% of essential medicines are unavailable for approximately 250,000 people requiring primary healthcare services.
The Gaza media office warns of a “deepening and unprecedented humanitarian crisis” exacerbated by freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall, compounding the territory’s dire humanitarian situation.