This announcement has raised concerns about a potential long-term occupation and the annexation of parts of Gaza, particularly as discussions with far-right Israeli politicians about settlement expansion continue.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with tragic humanitarian conditions and widespread destruction reported, especially in areas like Rafah and Khan Younis.

The potential for a long-term Israeli occupation of Gaza looms large in the wake of the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas.

Alkhatib also criticizes the portrayal of recent protests in Gaza against Hamas, highlighting that many Gazans oppose the group's tactics, which he believes are detrimental to the Palestinian cause.

In response to the ongoing violence, Israel proposed a new cease-fire that included demands for Hamas to disarm, but this proposal was rejected by the militant group, which instead offered to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian American peace activist who has lost 33 family members in the conflict, calls for a nuanced dialogue regarding Gaza's future.

The fear is that a direct military occupation by Israel could impede the rebuilding of Gaza, inadvertently keeping Hamas relevant as a political force.

As of mid-April 2025, Israel has resumed air and ground attacks in Gaza following the collapse of a month-long cease-fire, which ended without a new agreement.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israeli troops would remain in Gaza indefinitely, aiming to establish buffer zones for Israeli communities.