Amid the tense calm prevailing in Gaza, Israel could be moving toward a de facto partition strategy of the Palestinian enclave, dividing the Strip into two zones: an eastern Gaza under Israeli control and a western Gaza dominated by the terrorist group Hamas.
This tactic, although it hasn't been officially declared, appears to be consolidating on the ground through military operations and the creation of strategic corridors such as Netzarim, which has already allowed the enclave to be cut in two during recent clashes.
The eastern zone, adjacent to Israel, could become a territory under Israeli military supervision, but with unbelievable potential for rapid reconstruction and development. According to diplomatic sources, the aim would be to establish a "model zone" with financial support from the United States, the European Union, and moderate Arab countries.
There, the arrival of construction materials, reopening of schools, hospitals, and job creation would be facilitated, as a visible demonstration of the benefits of a demilitarized Gaza removed from Hamas's control.
In contrast, the western zone, where most of the population is concentrated and which would include Gaza City, would be isolated politically and economically. Israel could maintain strict restrictions on the movement of goods and people, citing security concerns due to the continued presence of the Islamist group.
This could deepen the humanitarian crisis, already critical after months of intense bombings, infrastructure destruction, and mass displacement.
Analysts point out that this division would seek to undermine Hamas's power without the need to confront it directly through military means. By offering a viable alternative in the eastern zone, Israel hopes to encourage the voluntary displacement of civilians to areas under its control and generate internal pressure against Hamas's de facto government in the western zone.
