Israel’s plans to establish a buffer zone on the Palestinian side of Gaza’s border have stirred up controversy in the region, with Arab states and the United States expressing opposition to any proposal that would reduce Palestinian land.
According to sources in Egypt, Israel has conveyed its proposals to Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, with Saudi Arabia, which has no ties with Israel, also being informed. The proposed buffer zone is part of Israel’s broader plan for Gaza following the recent conflict.
The plan to create a buffer zone between Gaza and Israel is aimed at preventing future attacks. However, it has been met with skepticism and opposition from regional players. The Arab states have condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of urban areas.
Israel’s proposal to carve out a buffer zone in Gaza has raised concerns about the potential displacement of Palestinians and further encroachment into their territory. The establishment of a buffer zone could further restrict the already limited space available to Gaza’s 2.3 million people.
The Israeli government has emphasized that the proposed buffer zone is a security measure, not a political one. Officials have also indicated that the plan is part of a broader strategy to demilitarize and de-radicalize Gaza.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Israel has been reaching out to various Arab states and other international partners to shape its post-war strategy for Gaza. However, the proposal has faced pushback from Arab states, which fear that Israel’s plan may lead to further displacement of Palestinians.
Israel’s proposal to establish a buffer zone in Gaza is reminiscent of the “security zone” it once had in south Lebanon. The plan also includes the deportation of Hamas leaders, a move that has drawn comparisons to Israel’s campaign in Lebanon in the 1980s.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, with the United States expressing its opposition to any plan that would reduce the size of Palestinian territory. The conflict continues to evolve, with Israel and its regional neighbors engaged in complex negotiations to shape the future of Gaza.