Israel expands presence in central Gaza, indicating possible long-term control

The Israeli military has been steadily increasing its presence in central Gaza in recent months, reinforcing military bases and demolishing Palestinian buildings.

This growing presence suggests that Israel may be preparing for long-term control over the region, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Since the early stages of the Gaza conflict, Israeli forces have occupied a four-mile stretch known as the Netzarim corridor, which bisects the Gaza Strip. This move aimed to prevent hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans from returning to the northern part of the enclave. Over time, this area has expanded into an 18-square-mile zone under Israeli control, as confirmed by the Israeli military and a New York Times analysis of satellite images and video footage.

In the past three months, Israeli soldiers have demolished over 600 buildings around the corridor, seemingly to establish a buffer zone. Additionally, the military has rapidly developed a network of outposts, complete with communications towers and defensive fortifications.

This buildup indicates a shift in Israeli strategy, as the country had traditionally avoided holding territory in Gaza, leaving a power vacuum that allowed Hamas to reassert control in certain areas. The Israeli military has stated that these developments are driven by operational needs.

The expansion has raised questions about Israel's future intentions for Gaza. While Israeli leaders have stated their commitment to maintaining security control in Gaza post-conflict, they have not clarified the specifics. Military analysts suggest that the infrastructure along the Netzarim corridor might play a central role in these plans.

Control of the corridor, which stretches across Gaza from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea, gives Israel the ability to regulate movement within the enclave, effectively preventing the return of displaced Palestinians to the north. In recent months, the Israeli military has extended its influence over areas surrounding the corridor, which is roughly 4.3 miles wide and long, to make it easier for Israeli forces to maintain control, according to Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson.

By Vafa Guliyeva