Israeli army officials reportedly propose permanent security buffer in northern Gaza

Israeli army officials have recommended the establishment of a permanent security buffer zone in parts of Beit Hanoun, a town in the northern Gaza Strip, according to reports from Israeli media on Sunday.

Senior officials have suggested creating the buffer zone in elevated areas of Beit Hanoun, which overlook the Israeli settlement of Sderot, as reported by Israel’s Army Radio.

The proposal, which has yet to receive official approval from political leaders, focuses on securing high ground in Beit Hanoun that offers strategic oversight of nearby Israeli settlements.

According to the broadcaster, military commanders in the southern region, currently leading operations in northern Gaza, believe this buffer zone would permanently prevent residents of Gaza from returning to these areas.

“The plan targets the entire line of elevated areas in Beit Hanoun that provide direct oversight of Israeli settlements, ensuring control through fire and surveillance,” Army Radio reported. The radio added that this strategy aims to prevent any future construction of homes or structures in Beit Hanoun that could overlook Israeli settlements, nearby lands, or the Sderot railway line.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale ground operation in northern Gaza since Oct. 5, 2024, citing the need to prevent Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, accuse Israel of attempting to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.

Palestinians on the brink of famine

Since the operation began, insufficient humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, has been allowed into the region, leaving the remaining population on the brink of famine.

The offensive in northern Gaza marks the latest stage of what has been described as a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, with more than 46,500 people, mostly women and children, killed since Oct. 7, 2023.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.