**Israel Expands “Security Zone” in Gaza, Leaving Thousands without Homes**
In a move that has left thousands of Palestinians without homes and access to basic necessities, Israel’s Defence Minister has announced an expansion of the “security zone” in Gaza. The zone now includes Rafah, a city with a population of 280,000 people.
According to UN reports, two-thirds of Gaza have been declared “no-go zones” or under evacuation orders since Israel resumed its offensive against Hamas in March after a two-month truce collapsed. This has forced 390,000 Palestinians, nearly one-fifth of the 2.1-million-strong population, to flee their homes with no safe place to go.
The expansion of the security zone is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages they are still holding. Israel Katz, Defence Minister, visited the area and said that the military was leaving Gaza a “smaller” and more isolated place. He warned that if Hamas continued to refuse and did not release the hostages quickly, the IDF would carry out intense military operations across the entire Gaza Strip.
**Consequences of the Expansion**
The expansion of the security zone has severe consequences for the people of Gaza. The UN warns that supplies of food and medicine have run out in Gaza because Israel has blocked humanitarian aid deliveries since 2 March. Last May, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground assault in Rafah, leaving large parts of the town in ruins.
The IDF has also designated areas along the border with Egypt as “no-go zones”, making it difficult for civilians to access basic necessities like food and medicine. The UN Human Rights Office has warned that evacuation orders do not comply with international law and accused Israel of failing to take any measures to accommodate those affected, or to ensure satisfactory hygiene, safety, health and nutrition conditions.
**Israeli Strategy**
Local media reports suggest that Israeli military analysts have a plan to push Palestinian civilians to the coast, allowing Israeli forces to concentrate on eliminating Hamas from urban areas. This strategy would also allow Israel to control the delivery of aid along the coast, bypassing both Hamas agencies and international aid agencies.
The IDF has issued 15 evacuation orders in the last three weeks, covering almost 131 sq km or 36% of Gaza. Another 30% of the land is covered by Israel’s “no-go zone” along Gaza’s border and along the Wadi Gaza River valley.
**International Response**
The international community has responded with concern to Israel’s actions. The UN has stated that Israel’s five-week blockade on Gaza is a violation of international law, requiring Israel to meet the basic needs of civilians under its control and allow for the unhindered and rapid passage of humanitarian aid.
In response to the cross-border attack in October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostage, Hamas has accused Israel of perpetrating genocide. The UN has reported that more than 50,880 Palestinians have died in Gaza since then.
**Conclusion**
The expansion of the security zone in Gaza is a move that will leave thousands without homes and access to basic necessities. It is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of Israel’s actions on the people of Gaza. As the international community continues to respond with concern, it remains to be seen whether Israel’s strategy will bring about any lasting change or simply perpetuate further suffering for the Palestinian people.
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