Jerusalem, Dec 25 (NationPress) Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israeli military forces will continue to be present in Gaza, ensuring security control over the Palestinian territory, which raises concerns that the current ceasefire negotiations might face further impasses.

During his visit to a buffer zone near the Gaza-Egypt border, Katz emphasized that security control in Gaza will remain with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).

He specified that Israeli forces would occupy security zones, buffer areas, and control positions within the Gaza Strip, which he deemed necessary for the safety of Israeli communities.

"There will be no Hamas government here, nor a Hamas military -- a new reality will emerge as a result of the ongoing conflict," Katz remarked.

His statements followed accusations exchanged between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and Hamas regarding delays in finalizing a ceasefire agreement, with both sides claiming the other introduced new demands. A significant demand from Hamas includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, which has suffered extensive damage due to Israel's airstrikes and bombardment.

In a press release, Hamas noted that discussions mediated by Qatar and Egypt in Doha were "progressing seriously." However, they accused Israel of imposing "new conditions related to the withdrawal from Gaza, the ceasefire, the prisoners, and the return of displaced individuals," which they assert have delayed the agreement that was nearly finalized.

In response, a statement from Netanyahu's office denied Hamas's allegations, claiming that Hamas had reverted on previously established understandings and was obstructing negotiations.

On Tuesday, Israel withdrew its delegation from the Doha talks, citing a week of "meaningful" discussions. "The team is returning for internal consultations in Israel regarding the continuation of negotiations for the return of our hostages," the office stated, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The delegation comprised senior members from Mossad, Shin Bet security agency, and the IDF.

The issues surrounding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the coastal Palestinian enclave and the duration of the ceasefire have been central points of contention in prior unsuccessful negotiations. Hamas aims to bring an end to the war entirely, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas's control over Gaza before any resolution and intends to maintain a military presence in the Palestinian enclave even post-ceasefire.

On Monday, Netanyahu remarked that "there has been progress" in the efforts to establish a ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement with Hamas, but he warned that the timeline for reaching an agreement remains uncertain.

Speaking to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu expressed, "I do not know how long it will take," while affirming his commitment to "continue to act in every possible way until we bring everyone home."

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also discussed aspects of the proposed deal during a confidential meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, describing it as "a phased, gradual framework."

Israel's Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli informed Kan Reshet Bet public radio that some progress had been made towards an agreement, indicating that the sides are closer to a deal than in previous months. He mentioned that the initial phase would involve "a humanitarian phase," which includes a 42-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages.

"This ceasefire could extend for six months or even ten years, depending on how the situation evolves on the ground," Chikli remarked.

Israel has been undertaking a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip as retaliation for a Hamas attack on the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1200 fatalities and around 250 hostages taken.