Israel seizes one-third of Gaza in shifted strategy to pressure Hamas

Israeli forces have taken control of approximately one-third of the Gaza Strip, establishing new security zones and displacing tens of thousands of residents, as part of a renewed military strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas.

After over a year of relying primarily on airstrikes and targeted raids, Israel is now seizing territory on the ground, signaling it may retain control to create long-term buffer zones. The shift comes in response to the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and reflects a significant recalibration of Israeli security policy, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Since resuming its ground offensive in mid-March, Israeli forces have secured over 30 per cent of Gaza, including a newly created corridor encircling Rafah in the south, according to an Israeli official. Egyptian sources confirmed Israel has informed Cairo it intends to hold the Rafah corridor as a permanent buffer, cutting the city off from the rest of the enclave.

The Israeli military said its updated policy involves “maintaining a broad military presence in buffer zones that have been cleared of threats” and that evacuations are being conducted “to reduce harm to civilians.”

“Many territories are being seized and added to the security zones of the State of Israel, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said. 

The new strategy follows the breakdown of cease-fire talks in March. A proposed deal brokered by Egypt offers a 70-day cease-fire in exchange for the release of 11 hostages and several bodies. 

However, Hamas has rejected the demand to disarm, Egyptian officials said. UN data indicates nearly 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced since mid-March. Sara Sobhi, a displaced resident from Rafah, said: “Let’s assume we gave up the homes, but we don’t want to give up the lands.”

As Israel carves out multiple security corridors, the long-term future of these occupied zones remains unclear.

By Naila Huseynova