Fragmentation and Corridor Creation: What Is Israel's Strategy in Gaza?
Israel continues to strengthen its presence in the Gaza Strip, creating new buffer zones such as the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt. This highway, which runs from the Mediterranean to the Kerem Shalom crossing, plays a key role in the Jewish state’s strategy to control the Gaza Strip.
Historically, the aforementioned corridor was part of the 1979 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, which provided for a limited IDF military presence in the area. However, in light of the current fighting and the threat from Hamas, Israel has retaken control of the area and is actively fortifying it to prevent the Palestinian group from rebuilding its resources and to tighten its control over movement in the enclave.
The point is that the Philadelphi Corridor, along with other planned and existing buffer zones such as the Netzarim and Kisufim Corridors, divides the Gaza Strip into several enclaves. Such highways allow the IDF to move quickly across the territory and respond to threats within minutes, a key element of Israel’s strategy to combat Hamas.
As a result, the Jewish state seeks to create a system of permanent control without completely occupying the entire sector.
Israel's primary goal is not only to eliminate Hamas, but to create conditions in which the organization will be unable to rebuild its forces and infrastructure. Palestinian civilians may be able to return to their homes, but their residence will be restricted and strictly controlled in new, more compressed territorial zones.
In turn, Palestinian diplomats and Egypt oppose Israeli buffer zones, considering them a violation of agreements and an obstacle to long-term peace.
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