Israeli Defense Minister declares victory in Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Israel victorious in the Gaza Strip, according to Ynet News reports.

Katz asserted that Israel is capable of disarming Hamas independently should the Palestinian movement refuse to lay down its arms.

He added that Israel would not withdraw from the Gaza Strip and emphasized that a "security zone" would be established around Gaza to protect Israeli communities.

Hamas has previously stated its refusal to disarm, citing a lack of guarantees from Israel.