Israel Controls 50% of Gaza After Razing Land to Expand Its Buffer Zone

Israel Controls 50% of Gaza After Razing Land to Expand Its Buffer Zone

Introduction

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a devastating toll on Gaza, with recent reports indicating that Israel now controls approximately 50% of the Gaza Strip following extensive military operations. Satellite imagery and on-the-ground accounts reveal that large swaths of land have been bulldozed and razed to create an expanded buffer zone, further shrinking Palestinian territory and displacing thousands.

This article examines Israel’s territorial control in Gaza, the rationale behind the buffer zone expansion, the humanitarian consequences, and the broader implications for future peace negotiations.

Gaza's escalating Israeli hold Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in over 240 hostages, Israel has launched a relentless military campaign in Gaza. The offensive, which aimed to eliminate Hamas, has resulted in: Massive destruction of residential areas, hospitals, and infrastructure.

As of April 2024, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 34,000 Palestinian deaths had occurred. Displacement of 1.7 million people (nearly 80% of Gaza’s population).

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now control at least fifty percent of Gaza, according to recent assessments by Israeli military officials and international analysts, including: Northern Gaza: Almost entirely under Israeli military authority.

Central Gaza: Key areas along the Netzarim Corridor (a strategic IDF-controlled axis).

Southern Gaza: Expanding operations in Khan Younis and Rafah.

The Expansion of the Buffer Zone One of Israel’s key strategies has been the creation of a permanent buffer zone inside Gaza’s borders. This involves:

destroying structures within one kilometer (0.6 miles) of the Israeli border to deter future attacks. Clearing land to establish a militarized no-go zone.

using bulldozers and controlled explosions to destroy infrastructure, farmland, and neighborhoods. Images from UNOSAT, BBC, and Reuters show that entire communities have been wiped out in the widespread destruction. The IDF asserts that this is required to prevent Hamas from reorganizing near the border, as it did prior to October 7. Displacement and Disaster in the Humanitarian Sector The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has gotten worse as the buffer zone has grown: UNOSAT reports that more than 40% of the buildings in northern Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. Farmland and greenhouses demolished, worsening food shortages.

Forced displacement: Palestinians attempting to return to their homes in border areas report being turned away or fired upon by Israeli forces.

UN officials warn that the buffer zone could permanently reduce Gaza’s habitable land, making reconstruction nearly impossible without Israeli approval.

Reactions from around the world The international community remains divided:

US & Western Allies: While supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, the Biden administration has expressed concern over the buffer zone, calling it "counterproductive" to long-term peace.

Arab States & UN: Strongly condemn the territorial seizures as a potential land grab and violation of international law.

Human Rights Groups: Accuse Israel of collective punishment and possible war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.

Effects on the Future Several scenarios emerge if Israel maintains control over half of Gaza: Permanent Israeli Security Control: Gaza could remain under long-term IDF occupation, similar to the West Bank.

No Palestinian Statehood: A two-state solution becomes even more unlikely if Gaza’s territory is significantly reduced.

Continued Resistance: Hamas or other militant groups may regroup, leading to prolonged conflict.

Conclusion

Israel’s control over 50% of Gaza and the creation of a buffer zone mark a dramatic shift in the territory’s future. While Israel maintains that this is necessary for security, critics view it as a disguised annexation that exacerbates humanitarian conditions and jeopardizes prospects for peace.