Gaza City, Gaza Strip – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed construction on a new road in northern Gaza, running from east to west, according to verified satellite images. The road’s purpose is said to be aiding troop movement and equipment mobility, raising concerns among experts about its potential use as a blockade preventing Palestinian return to northern homes. Some analysts view this road as a strategic move by Israel to extend its presence in Gaza beyond current conflicts.
The new road, known as “Highway 749,” cuts through northern Gaza, connecting the Israeli border near Nahal Oz kibbutz to the coastline, intersecting major roads in the territory and providing essential logistical support to security forces. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s post-war vision of long-term security control in Gaza further complicates the road’s significance.
Satellite imagery analysis reveals that the IDF has recently added over 5km of road sections, enhancing connectivity within Gaza. The construction of this road, wider than typical Gaza roads, led to the demolition of structures along the route, indicating a strategic shift in the region’s military control and security measures. The new road also plays a critical role in dividing northern and southern Gaza, potentially limiting Palestinians’ movement within the strip.
Experts view the road as facilitating rapid military response to emerging threats, ensuring Israel’s total defense and security control in the region. Additionally, the road’s construction suggests a long-term strategy by Israel to maintain a presence in Gaza and regulate movements in and out of the strip. The division created by the road raises concerns about displaced Palestinians’ ability to return to their homes in the northern part of Gaza.
Amid differing opinions on the road’s purpose, the strategic implications of its construction remain a subject of debate. With the road’s potential to enhance security interventions and control in Gaza, analysts warn of its broader impact on the region’s political and humanitarian landscape. As tensions persist in the region, the completion of the new road marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict’s trajectory.