Tel Aviv, Israel – Israel has significantly increased its presence in the Gaza Strip since reigniting its conflict with Hamas last month, now controlling more than half of the territory and forcing Palestinians into smaller areas of land.
The Israeli military has expanded its buffer zone along the Gaza border, demolishing Palestinian homes, farmland, and infrastructure. This zone has grown in size recently, leading to concerns that Israel may be seeking long-term control over the area, according to human rights groups and Gaza experts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that even after defeating Hamas, Israel plans to maintain security control in Gaza and encourage Palestinians to leave. Soldiers deployed in the buffer zone have reported widespread destruction and the creation of uninhabitable land, sparking accusations of potential war crimes and human rights violations.
The army has defended its actions, stating that it is acting to protect its citizens and improve security in southern communities impacted by previous attacks. However, reports from soldiers and rights groups paint a different picture of deliberate destruction and displacement of Palestinian communities within the buffer zone.
The systematic expansion of the buffer zone, as well as the creation of additional corridors dividing Gaza, has left many Palestinians displaced and their land destroyed. While Israel claims its actions are necessary for security reasons, critics argue that the measures amount to ethnic cleansing and potential violations of international law.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the destruction of vast areas within Gaza, with satellite images showing once vibrant neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The displacement of families and the destruction of essential infrastructure have raised concerns about the long-term impact on the civilian population in Gaza.
As the conflict continues, the future of the buffer zone and Israel’s intentions to maintain control over parts of Gaza remain uncertain. The plight of Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict has drawn international attention and raised questions about the broader implications of Israel’s actions in the region.