Israel’s reported efforts to establish a 1km-wide ‘security belt’ around the Gaza Strip have drawn disapproval from the United States and criticism from international experts. The plan, which aims to create a buffer zone along the border with Gaza, has been labeled as a “crime” and “blatant aggression” against the Palestinian people by Hamas official Osama Hamdan. Israel’s media has shown footage of controlled demolitions of structures on the Gaza side of the border, leading to concerns about the destruction of residential blocks, farms, and civilian infrastructure.
Hamdan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “delusional” and stating that Gaza would become the “cemetery” of his plans. He also criticized the United States for supporting the Israeli military and its complicity in crimes against Gaza.
Israel’s military has not used the term “buffer zone,” but has stated that troops are uprooting infrastructure near the border to provide security for Israeli communities. However, critics argue that Israel has no legal grounds to create a buffer zone by destroying Palestinian homes and confiscating agricultural land. Former United Nations war crimes prosecutor Geoffrey Nice described the plan as an “occupation” and called for sanctions against Israel to prevent the land grab.
The United States, which has traditionally supported Israel’s right to self-defense, has expressed opposition to any attempt to shrink Gaza’s territory or occupy it militarily. The US and much of the international community have proposed a post-war plan that includes the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected this possibility.
The proposed buffer zone in Gaza has further strained the relationship between the Biden administration and the Israeli government. There are concerns that what starts as a transitional arrangement could become permanent, raising alarm among critics.
In conclusion, Israel’s plan to create a buffer zone in Gaza has sparked international criticism. Critics argue that the plan constitutes a violation of international law and accuse Israel of aggression against the Palestinian people. The United States has expressed opposition to the plan and has called for a ceasefire. The ongoing tensions highlight the challenges in finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
