The Israeli army is expanding its presence in the center of the Gaza Strip, building military bases and destroying hundreds of Palestinian buildings, reveals the New York Times based on analyzes of satellite images. The area controlled by the IDF in the Netzarim corridor now extends to 18 square kilometers.
According to the American daily's analysis, the Israeli army has established at least 19 large bases in the region, in addition to dozens of smaller installations. Twelve of these bases have been built or expanded since the beginning of September. “The facilities are paved and walled, with housing for soldiers, access roads and parking for armored vehicles,” the newspaper said.
Major Nadav Shoshani, IDF spokesperson for the international press, justifies the destruction of certain buildings by explaining that they “served as observation posts and hiding places for Palestinian terrorists.” The military says the expansion meets operational needs.
This increased military presence marks a significant shift for Israel, which previously avoided maintaining a permanent presence in Gaza. Control of the axis, which crosses Gaza from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean, allows Israel to regulate movements in the enclave.
“The army has expanded its grip on the territory on both sides of the axis, to a width of approximately 4.3 kilometers and the same length, to facilitate control of the area,” explains Major Shoshani. Gaza's northern corridor now extends to approximately 56 square kilometers, covering eight kilometers from the border to the coast.
Initially designed as a bargaining chip for the release of hostages, the corridor was to allow the return of around a million Gazans to their homes in exchange for the release of around a hundred hostages. However, negotiations have stalled.
