Israeli road splitting Gaza in two has reached the Mediterranean coast, satellite imagery shows
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN they were using the route to “establish (an) operational foothold in the area” and allow “the passage of forces as well as logistical equipment.” When asked about the route’s completion, the IDF said the road existed before the war and was being “renovated,” due to armored vehicles “damaging it.” It added that there was: “No beginning and ending.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a plan, obtained by CNN, to his security cabinet on February 23 for a post-Hamas future for Gaza, including the “complete demilitarization” of the enclave, and the overhaul of its security, civil administration and education systems. Palestinians living in Gaza fear Israel’s post-war security plans will further restrict their freedom of movement, remembering the days of Israeli occupation prior to 2005, when checkpoints were placed between neighboring villages and exclusive bypass roads were built to link Israeli settlements to each other and to Israel.
Named after the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim in Gaza, the “Netzarim Corridor” intersects one of Gaza’s two main north-south roads, Salaheddin Street, to create a strategic, central junction. It also appears to connect with Al Rashid Road, which runs along the coast, satellite imagery shows. Palestinians told CNN that they remember the so-called “Netzarim junction” existed before 2005; back then, it was largely only accessible to Israeli settlers.
Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli told CNN that the new road will “make it easier” for the Israeli military to launch raids north of Gaza City and south, to the central area of the Gaza Strip.
.jfif)
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