Satellite photos captured along a one-kilometer-deep pathway along the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip reveal fresh devastation, according to an analysis by The Associated Press and expert reports.
The devastation occurs at a time when Israel, despite international objections, has declared its intention to establish a buffer zone in the area, further encroaching on territory that the Palestinians desire for a state.
The destruction along the path is just a small glimpse of the extensive devastation caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. According to one assessment, nearly half of all the buildings in the coastal enclave have been damaged or destroyed.
Israeli leaders have expressed their desire to create a defensive buffer zone to prevent any future cross-border attacks, citing the recent incident on Oct. 7 by Hamas as a reason for this measure. Despite strong warnings from the United States, Gaza's territory continues to face the threat of shrinking.
The Israeli military has chosen not to provide a direct response to inquiries about the establishment of a buffer zone. Instead, they have stated that they are undertaking necessary actions to implement a defense plan aimed at enhancing security in southern Israel. However, it is worth noting that the military has indeed demolished buildings throughout the area.
According to an Israeli government official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, there is currently construction underway for a temporary security buffer zone.
However, the extent of the demolitions raises doubts about the potential longevity of the proposed buffer zone.Gaza shares a border of approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) with Israel, while being situated along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. The establishment of the buffer zone would require approximately 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) to be removed from the Gaza Strip, which has a total land area of around 360 square kilometers (139 square miles).
In the southern region of the Gaza Strip, a significant portion of the area adjacent to the extensive $1 billion border barrier on Israeli land consists of farmland. This land is situated in what is envisioned as a buffer zone, serving as a separation between the enclave and its neighboring country. However, in the vicinity of Khirbet Khuzaa, where the border takes a turn to the northwest, the situation takes a distinct turn.
Analysis of satellite images from Planet Labs PBC reveals extensive damage to buildings and land in a 6-square-kilometer area. In an area just over 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to the north, the once fertile farmland has been completely transformed into a barren landscape, where the proposed buffer zone would be located.
Located to the north is a region within the heart of Gaza's Maghazi refugee camp. In January, a tragic incident occurred near the Israeli border, resulting in the loss of lives of Israeli reservists who were preparing explosives to demolish two buildings. The incident occurred when a militant fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a tank in the vicinity.
A powerful explosion caused the buildings to collapse, tragically resulting in the loss of 21 lives, including soldiers. A massive cluster of warehouses has been completely devastated in the southeastern outskirts of Gaza City, which also falls within the designated buffer zone.
Israel Urges to Block Aid For Gaza
Ministers in Israel's war cabinet are said to be contemplating restrictions on the aid flow to Gaza, while rightwing demonstrators disrupt the delivery of crucial humanitarian supplies to the embattled Palestinian region.
According to a report from Israel's Channel 12, Benny Gantz, a retired general who joined the emergency wartime government formed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief of staff and war cabinet observer, have proposed a temporary limitation on aid to weaken Hamas.
Two politicians from the National Unity party have recently presented a proposal after receiving a report from Israel's internal security service. The report suggests that a significant portion of aid entering Gaza is being diverted by a Palestinian militant group.It is challenging to independently verify that figure, but incidents of individuals in dire need or armed individuals taking control of aid deliveries have become increasingly frequent in the area.
A final decision has not yet been reached on the issue. The Guardian's request for comment went unanswered by Netanyahu's office. Officials from Qatar announced on Thursday that Hamas had expressed initial support for a proposed ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. This development came after mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar held talks with Israeli intelligence officials in Paris.
However, according to sources within Hamas, there is still no agreement on the deal. Ansari acknowledged that there are significant challenges that lie ahead. Humanitarian groups, including the UN, have estimated that the daily requirement for aid in Gaza is around 500 lorries. However, the number of lorries able to pass through the Egyptian and Israeli checkpoints is often significantly lower, sometimes falling below 100.
Last week, the international court of justice issued a ruling stating that Israel is required to do everything possible to prevent a genocide during its conflict with Hamas. Additionally, Israel must promptly facilitate the delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid to address the dire humanitarian situation affecting the 2.3 million people in Gaza.
In the ongoing conflict that has lasted for almost four months, a staggering number of lives have been lost and a significant portion of the population in Gaza have been displaced from their homes. The war was ignited by an attack on Israeli communities by Hamas, resulting in a high number of casualties and numerous abductions.
Last week, it was revealed that 12 individuals from the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, have been accused of involvement in the 7 October attack. This incident has brought attention to the work of humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, where UNRWA employs 13,000 people and provides crucial public services.
Per The Guardian, several western countries have halted their financial support in light of the accusations. Palestinians and aid workers have called on donor countries to reassess their decision, arguing that the funding freeze is tantamount to collective punishment and will result in a severe food shortage.
