The road that bisects the Gaza Strip into north and south reaches the Mediterranean Sea/Maxar
2024.03.09 Sat posted at 17:28 JST
(CNN) A road being built by the Israeli military to divide the Gaza Strip into north and south has reached the Mediterranean coast, according to analysis of satellite images by CNN. Israeli officials say it is part of a security plan to control Gaza over the coming months and possibly years.
Satellite images from March 6 show a road under construction running east-west through the Gaza Strip. Starting from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the road cuts through a 6.5 km wide area, dividing the northern part of the area, which includes Gaza City, from the southern part. According to a CNN analysis, about 2km of the road includes existing roads, while the rest appears to be new roads.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN they were using the road to establish an “operational foothold in the area” and to allow “traffic for military equipment and troops.” Asked about the completion of the work, he said the road existed before the start of the fighting and was being “repaired” after it had been damaged by armored vehicles.
On the 23rd of last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced to his wartime cabinet his vision for Gaza after the expulsion of the Islamic organization Hamas. This includes the “complete disarmament” of the Gaza Strip and the reform of security, civil administration, and education systems.
Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip are concerned that their freedom of movement will be further restricted in the post-war security plan, which is reminiscent of the period before 2005 when the Gaza Strip was occupied by Israel. In 2005, checkpoints were placed between villages, and special bypass roads were being built to connect settlements and Israeli territory.
Satellite image showing that the Netzarim Corridor, a road the Israel Defense Forces is building in the Gaza Strip, has reached the Mediterranean coast.Divides the Gaza Strip into north and south
The road is named the Netzarim Corridor, after the former Israeli settlement in Gaza. It intersects with Salahaddin Street, one of the two main roads running north-south in the Gaza Strip, forming a strategic central intersection. Satellite images also show that it is connected to Rashid Avenue, which runs along the Mediterranean coast.
Palestinians told CNN it reminded them of the “Netzarim crossing” that existed before 2005. At that time, the crossing could only be used by Israeli settlers.
The road is expected to be used for at least a year, according to Israel’s Minister of the Sikri Diaspora. It has three lanes: one for heavy tanks and armored vehicles, one for lighter vehicles, and one for high-speed movement. The Netzarim Corridor could allow people to travel from Israel’s kibbutz (agricultural communities) near the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean Sea in just seven minutes by car.
The road that divides Gaza into north and south reaches the Mediterranean Sea
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2024-03-09 08:28:00
