International press sources reported that the Israeli occupation army has significantly expanded its field control within the Gaza Strip in recent months. These movements involve strengthening military fortifications and shifting separation lines with areas where Palestinian resistance is present, reflecting a trend towards imposing a new security reality.
Reports clarified that the area controlled by the occupation now approaches 60% of the total area of the Strip, having increased from 53% since last October. These developments raise serious concerns about military separation zones turning into permanent borders, further complicating any future political settlement.
The occupation army has pushed what is known as the 'Yellow Line,' which defines the separation areas, deeper into the Strip's territory. In some areas, this line intersected with Salah al-Din Road, which is the main artery connecting the north and south of the Strip, further impeding movement.
Satellite images showed the establishment of extensive military fortifications in the central region of the Gaza Strip, including deep trenches and high earthworks. The construction of at least seven new fully fortified military sites was also observed to counter any field threats.
Data indicates that some of these military sites have been paved with asphalt and include more than a dozen permanent buildings, which is an indicator of the occupation's readiness for a long-term presence. This infrastructure reflects a strategy of entrenching positions rather than the temporary presence previously announced.
Amid stalled political settlement efforts, observers believe that these fortifications deepen the geographical division within Gaza. This comes at a time when the occupation authorities insist on continuing military operations and refusing to fully withdraw from the areas they have encroached upon.
Field sources confirmed that dozens of Palestinians have been martyred near the 'Yellow Line' since the last ceasefire came into effect. The occupation army claims to target those it describes as 'suspects,' while residents confirm that the victims are civilians who lost their way due to the unclear new separation lines.
Sources quoted diplomats as saying that a number of Arab governments refuse to contribute to funding the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under the current situation. These funders stipulate clarity of political and security vision before commencing any large-scale construction operations amidst ongoing destruction.
Diplomat Nikolay Mladenov warned that solidifying the current situation would make it very difficult to change in the near future. He pointed out that the continued construction of permanent military installations entrenches the reality of dividing the Strip and undermines opportunities for establishing a unified Palestinian administration.
In a related context, the occupation army continues excavation and search operations for resistance tunnels that may connect different control areas. The army announced the destruction of tens of kilometers of underground networks since the cessation of major combat operations last October.
To increase field control, the occupation placed concrete barriers painted yellow to define the boundaries of closed military zones. This step came after repeated incidents of shooting at civilians who approached these lines, whose features were previously unclear.
The occupation also introduced what is called the 'Orange Line,' an additional security zone within areas where Palestinians are allowed to move. This line requires international relief organizations to coordinate in advance and in a complex manner with the army before any trucks or medical teams can cross.
For his part, researcher Ofer Guterman considered that Israel seeks to strengthen its defensive posture in preparation for the possibility of renewed fighting at any moment. He added that the military establishment is working to improve its field conditions to ensure superiority should current understandings collapse.
In conclusion, the field reality indicates that the Gaza Strip is heading towards a state of military 'status quo' that serves the occupation's goals of control and dominance. With the continued construction of fortifications, the chances of returning to the pre-war situation remain slim amidst increasing security and political complexities.
The more we solidify the current situation, the more difficult it becomes to change, and there are real fears of a permanent division of the Gaza Strip.
شارك برأيك
International Report: Occupation Controls 60% of Gaza, Builds Permanent Military Fortifications