Israel’s military has begun implementing a multi-phase strategy to expand its control over Gaza, including the construction of a new “green city” in Rafah and deepened ground operations across the southern Strip, according to Israeli defense officials and military sources. The plan, which follows weeks of intense fighting and a partial ceasefire, aims to reshape Gaza’s demographic and territorial landscape while addressing long-standing security concerns. Humanitarian agencies warn the move risks further destabilizing the region as displaced Palestinians face limited options for return.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly secured control over approximately 70% of Gaza’s territory, with operations now focused on consolidating gains in Rafah, the last major urban stronghold held by Hamas. According to a Reuters report citing Israeli military sources, the IDF is preparing to “redraw the map” of Gaza by establishing permanent military outposts and civilian infrastructure in strategic areas. The Rafah “green city” proposal, first discussed in leaked documents earlier this year, would include residential zones, commercial hubs, and fortified military bases—effectively creating a new administrative division within Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas and Palestinian resistance factions have vowed to resist any permanent Israeli presence, with leaders describing the plans as a “land grab” and a violation of international law. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that the proposed city could exacerbate the displacement crisis, with over 1.7 million Gazans already internally displaced since October 2023. “The international community must act to prevent a de facto annexation of Palestinian territory,” OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke stated in a briefing last week.
Update: IDF operations in Rafah continue to target Hamas infrastructure while minimizing civilian harm. New humanitarian corridors will be established to facilitate aid delivery.
What Is Israel’s Rafah ‘Green City’ Plan?
Israel’s proposed “green city” in Rafah is part of a broader strategy to reshape Gaza’s governance and security architecture. According to Financial Times reporting based on leaked Israeli defense documents, the project includes:
- Permanent military bases: Fortified outposts along Gaza’s eastern border to prevent cross-border attacks.
- Civilian infrastructure: Residential and commercial zones for Israeli settlers and security personnel, modeled after West Bank settlement patterns.
- Demographic control: Restrictions on Palestinian movement and land use in designated areas.
- Economic zones: Industrial parks and trade hubs to integrate Gaza into Israel’s economy under a future peace deal.
Critics argue the plan mirrors Israel’s approach in the West Bank, where settlements have been condemned by the International Court of Justice as a violation of international law. The ICJ’s 2024 advisory opinion on Palestinian statehood explicitly warned against such measures, stating they “amount to a form of colonialism.”
How Does This Expand Israel’s Control Over Gaza?
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has already achieved significant territorial gains. As of May 2024, the IDF controls:
- 70% of Gaza’s territory (up from 50% in January 2024), according to BBC analysis of satellite imagery and military reports.
- Key infrastructure: Portions of the Gaza City seaport, the main power plant, and major roads connecting the north and south.
- Strategic depth: Control over Rafah’s border crossings with Egypt, limiting Hamas’ ability to smuggle weapons.
The Rafah “green city” would further solidify Israel’s dominance by:
- Creating a buffer zone along Egypt’s border to prevent arms smuggling.
- Establishing a permanent Israeli civilian presence in Gaza for the first time since 2005.
- Isolating Hamas by controlling the last major urban stronghold.
However, the plan faces legal and diplomatic hurdles. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire and the reversal of all unilateral measures in Gaza. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has so far refrained from endorsing the Rafah city proposal, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stating last week that “any changes to Gaza’s status must be negotiated with Palestinian leadership.”
What Are the Humanitarian Consequences?
The Rafah plan threatens to deepen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, which the UN has already described as “catastrophic.” Key concerns include:
- Mass displacement: Over 1.7 million Gazans are internally displaced, with Rafah hosting the largest concentration of refugees. The UN warns that any forced relocation could lead to a “humanitarian collapse.”
- Food and water shortages: Gaza’s already strained supplies are at risk as aid deliveries remain disrupted. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that 70% of the population faces acute food insecurity.
- Healthcare collapse: Hospitals in Rafah are operating at 20% capacity, with critical shortages of medicine and fuel for generators.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have accused Israel of using starvation as a tactic of war. “The Rafah city plan is not just about security—it’s about permanent control over Palestinian land and resources,” said Omar Shakir, HRW’s Israel/Palestine director.
How Are Regional Powers Reacting?
Israel’s Rafah strategy has drawn sharp criticism from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region:
- Egypt: Cairo has expressed “deep concern” over the Rafah plan, fearing it could destabilize the Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian officials have privately urged Israel to avoid unilateral actions that could provoke Hamas or Islamic State-affiliated groups.
- Qatar and Turkey: Both countries, which brokered the recent ceasefire, have condemned the Rafah city proposal as a violation of Palestinian rights. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani stated that any such move would “derail peace efforts.”
- Iran: Tehran has framed the Rafah plan as part of a broader Israeli strategy to “erase Palestinian identity.” Iranian-backed militias in Lebanon and Yemen have increased rhetoric against Israel in response.
- Saudi Arabia: While Riyadh has avoided direct condemnation, leaks from Saudi diplomatic circles suggest Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pushing for a regional consensus to isolate Israel over Gaza.
The U.S. remains divided on the issue. While the Biden administration continues to provide military aid to Israel, senior officials have privately expressed reservations about the Rafah city plan. A Politico report cited unnamed White House sources stating that the administration is “concerned about the long-term implications” of permanent Israeli control in Gaza.
What Happens Next?
The timeline for Israel’s Rafah city plan remains unclear, but key milestones to watch include:
- June 2024: Israeli military sources suggest construction could begin as early as June, pending political approval. The IDF is reportedly finalizing blueprints for the first phase of the project.
- UN Security Council vote: A draft resolution calling for a ceasefire and the reversal of all unilateral measures in Gaza is expected to be presented by June 10. The U.S. is likely to veto any resolution that explicitly condemns Israel’s Rafah plans.
- Hamas response: Resistance factions have signaled they will escalate attacks if the Rafah city plan proceeds. Hamas military wing leader Mohammed Deif issued a statement warning of a “new phase of resistance” in a May 15 address.
- Egyptian mediation: Cairo is expected to play a key role in any negotiations over Gaza’s future. Egyptian intelligence has been in contact with both Hamas and Israeli officials to explore a negotiated settlement.
For the latest updates, readers can monitor:
- The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for official statements.
- The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for legal analyses.
- The World Food Programme for humanitarian alerts.
Key Takeaways
- Israel’s Rafah “green city” plan aims to create a permanent military and civilian presence in Gaza, reshaping its territorial and demographic landscape.
- The project risks deepening the humanitarian crisis, with over 1.7 million Gazans already displaced and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
- Regional reactions range from condemnation (Qatar, Turkey, Egypt) to cautious silence (Saudi Arabia), while the U.S. remains divided on the issue.
- Hamas has vowed to resist any permanent Israeli control, with potential escalations in violence expected if the plan proceeds.
- The UN and human rights groups warn the move could violate international law and undermine future peace efforts.
As the situation evolves, World Today Journal will continue to provide verified updates on Israel’s Gaza strategy, its humanitarian impact, and the geopolitical fallout. For now, the Rafah “green city” remains a contentious and highly consequential development in an already volatile region.
What do you think about Israel’s Rafah plan? Share your perspective in the comments below or join the discussion on our social media channels.