Israeli authorities have granted approval for infrastructure work to commence in a designated section of southern Gaza near the Israeli-imposed “Yellow Line” buffer zone, according to Israeli media reports. The initiative, termed “Green Rafah” and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, is characterized as an Emirati-backed pilot project focused on constructing temporary housing intended to operate without Hamas influence. The Israeli military will oversee installation of water, sewage, and electrical systems, while Palestinian workers will undergo extensive security vetting by the Shin Bet intelligence agency.
The project operates under significant restrictions, including a reported ban on mobile home entry until November. The development coincides with Netanyahu’s rejection of a recent United States-led 15-point reconstruction plan for Gaza, which calls for phased Hamas disarmament and Israeli military withdrawal. Netanyahu maintains that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Palestinian researchers have raised concerns about the long-term implications of such initiatives. Political analyst Ahmed al-Atawneh contends that projects like “Green Rafah” are intended to create isolated zones under complete Israeli administrative and security oversight, potentially limiting Palestinian residents to submission, imprisonment, or emigration. Palestinian researcher Mohammad Hamed al-Aila notes that Israel has not complied with ceasefire agreements signed last year that explicitly mandate temporary housing entry and civilian infrastructure repair, describing these delays as part of a strategy to perpetuate humanitarian conditions that pressure population migration.
Additionally, preparations are advancing for deployment of a limited International Stabilization Force, with countries including Morocco and Uganda reportedly preparing small contingents of approximately 200 troops each, substantially less than originally proposed. Experts emphasize that the force’s mandate remains contentious, with Palestinians seeking protection from occupation while Israeli authorities may intend to use it for disarmament enforcement. Al-Atawneh and al-Aila both underscore that countering these policies requires unified Palestinian political institutions and national consensus, though they express concern about the current Palestinian leadership’s capacity and willingness to pursue such coordination.
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