IDF potrjuje gradnjo masivne peščene bariere, ki deli Gazo, potem ko se pojavijo satelitske slike

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the construction of a massive sand barrier intended to divide the Gaza Strip, according to satellite imagery analyzed by Earth imaging firm Planet Labs PBC. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the IDF stating the structure aims to establish a clear demarcation between territories it controls and those held by the militant group. The confirmation follows reports from the Associated Press, which first revealed the existence of the barrier based on data shared by Planet Labs. Satellite images show that over 23 kilometers of the sand wall have been constructed in recent months, stretching across the Gaza Strip. These structures often run through areas previously inhabited by Palestinian communities that have been largely destroyed by Israeli military operations. The scale of the barrier, nearly half the length of Gaza, which measures approximately 40 kilometers from end to end, is unprecedented in the region's conflict history. The IDF did not provide detailed information about the project’s ultimate scope or objectives when approached by The Jerusalem Post. However, it indicated that the new boundary serves dual purposes: to delineate a “no-go” zone for Palestinians living in Hamas-controlled areas and to prevent infiltration attempts by the militant group into Israeli border towns. The latter concern stems from Hamas’s successful incursion into southern Israel during the October 7, 2023 attack, which exploited the close proximity of Gazan territory to Israeli settlements. Recent developments suggest that the IDF has been incrementally pushing Hamas further southward, reducing the area under the group’s control from 47% to roughly 30%. This shift is attributed to Hamas’s failure to initiate a disarmament process, as stipulated by the October 2025 ceasefire agreement. In response, the IDF has advanced its positions without engaging in major combat operations, effectively altering the territorial balance in Gaza. The construction efforts have intensified in southern Gaza, with a segment of the sand wall extending by more than 2 kilometers between July 1 and July 15. Previously measuring around 500 meters, this section now spans approximately 2.4 kilometers, traversing the ruins of Rafah and reaching toward the al-Mawasi coastal refugee camps. If current trends continue, this extension could connect with the existing 17-kilometer-long barrier that stretches from Khan Yunis in the mid-southern part of Gaza to near Gaza City in the north. Despite these advancements, the IDF has faced challenges maintaining its presence in certain parts of Gaza. During the ongoing conflict, the military has been forced to retreat from several areas despite establishing new bases. For instance, the IDF withdrew from the Morag Corridor in early 2025, highlighting the dynamic nature of territorial control in the region. The construction of the sand barrier has raised concerns among Palestinian groups and international observers, who view it as a potential precursor to a prolonged land acquisition strategy by Israel. While the Board of Peace, responsible for overseeing ceasefire negotiations, has generally supported Israel’s position, it has also expressed opposition to any new major military operations against Hamas-held areas. Similarly, U.S. President Donald Trump, who holds a prominent role within the board, has voiced resistance to such actions. CENTCOM, the U.S. military command responsible for monitoring the ceasefire, and the Board of Peace have yet to comment on the newly constructed barrier. Their silence underscores the complexity of the situation, as both entities navigate the delicate balance between supporting Israel’s security interests and addressing broader regional stability concerns. The IDF’s decision to build the sand wall reflects its strategic approach to securing borders while managing the evolving dynamics of the conflict. As construction continues, the impact of this infrastructure on the political and humanitarian landscape of Gaza will become increasingly evident.