Israel Expands Control Over Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
(File photo)
TEL AVIV: In a significant escalation of its military operations, Israel has expanded its territorial control in the Gaza Strip since reinitiating its conflict with Hamas last month. Current reports indicate that Israel now holds more than 50% of the territory, effectively confining the Palestinian population into increasingly smaller and more precarious areas.
The most extensive region under Israeli control is situated along the Gaza border. Here, the Israeli military has undertaken extensive actions that involve demolishing Palestinian homes, agricultural land, and critical infrastructure, rendering large swathes of the area uninhabitable. This buffer zone has reportedly doubled in size over recent weeks, raising concerns among humanitarian organizations and rights advocates.
Israeli officials have characterized their tightening grip on Gaza as a necessary, albeit temporary, measure aimed at compelling Hamas to release hostages who were taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks that precipitated the ongoing war. However, human rights groups warn that the territory being held by Israelâwhich includes a corridor that separates northern Gaza from the southern regionsâcould potentially facilitate a more permanent occupation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that even after the military campaign concludes and Hamas is defeated, Israel intends to retain security control over Gaza. He has voiced intentions to encourage Palestinians to leave, effectively raising questions about the future of the Palestinian population in the region. In a stark quote, a soldier involved in the operations remarked, âThey destroyed everything they could, they shot everything that looks functioning... the Palestinians will have nothing to come back to.â This highlights the severe humanitarian implications arising from the ongoing conflict and military strategy.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers and humanitarian organizations calling for urgent attention to the growing crisis within Gaza. As the conflict continues, the plight of the Palestinian people remains a pressing concern on the global stage.
