Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday that following Hamas’ defeat, Israel intends to maintain “security control” over the Gaza Strip, ensuring “full freedom of action” in the territory. “We will not allow any terrorist organization against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from Gaza. We will not allow a return to the reality before October 7th,” Katz wrote in a post on X. The defense minister previously noted that an agreement between Israel and Hamas is “possible” which could include the release of all the hostages from the Palestinian enclave.