IDF completes road across width of Gaza, satellite images show - BBC News

The IDF says it is to facilitate troop movements but experts fear it could be used as a barrier.

1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, עכשיו 14Image caption, Some of the work taking place in Gaza to build a new road as seen in the Israeli Channel 14 video uploaded to YouTube on 17 FebruaryBy Abdirahim Saeed, Tom Spencer, Paul Brown & Richard Irvine-BrownBBC Arabic & BBC VerifyThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has finished building a new road which runs across northern Gaza from east to west, according to satellite images verified by the BBC.

The IDF told the BBC they were attempting to gain an "operational foothold", and facilitate the movement of troops and equipment.

But some experts fear it will used as a barrier, preventing Palestinians from returning to their homes in the north.

Others said it appeared to be part of an Israeli plan to remain in Gaza beyond the end of current hostilities.

In February, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a post-war vision in which Israel would control security in Gaza indefinitely.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68514821

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