Experts Warn Israel’s “Green Rafah” Plan Could Deepen Gaza Fragmentation

Experts Warn Israel’s “Green Rafah” Plan Could Deepen Gaza Fragmentation
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Israeli plans to establish a new administrative and infrastructure zone in southern Gaza, known as “Green Rafah,” have drawn criticism from Palestinian analysts who warn that the project could further fragment the Gaza Strip and reshape its demographic and political landscape.

According to Israeli media reports, infrastructure work has been approved in eastern Rafah near the Israeli-controlled “Yellow Line” buffer zone. The initiative, reportedly backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, is described by Israeli authorities as a pilot project aimed at creating temporary housing areas without Hamas influence.

The project includes plans for water, sewage and electricity infrastructure under Israeli military supervision, while Palestinian workers involved would reportedly undergo security screening. Israeli restrictions have also delayed the entry of mobile homes and reconstruction materials into the area.

Palestinian researchers argue that such measures risk creating isolated zones under external control and weakening the political dimension of the Palestinian issue by reducing Palestinians to a humanitarian population rather than a people with national rights.

Analysts also criticized delays in reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, saying restrictions on housing and infrastructure could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and increase displacement pressures.

Meanwhile, discussions continue over the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza. Experts say disagreements remain over whether such a force would protect civilians and support agreements or serve primarily security objectives.

Palestinian analysts emphasized that political unity and a unified administration would be essential to confronting what they describe as efforts to reshape Gaza’s future.