Recently, the IDF moved the yellow line a few hundred meters further forward, a step that significantly enlarged control over the area of the former Jewish communities.

By Hezy Laing

Updated data from Olam Katan Hebrew News reveals that after the IDF’s advance in the Gaza Strip, almost half of the destroyed Jewish settlements are now under full Israeli control.

The recent moves in the north and south of the Strip create a wide security zone and open the way for the potential renewal of Jewish settlement that was destroyed 20 years ago during the “Disengagement”.

Just a few months after Israel’s retreat from Gaza – Hamas took over and began its bombardment campaign of Israel, which eventually culminated in the massacre of over 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7th 2023.

According to the data, almost half of the area of the Gush Katif settlements are once again under the control of the State of Israel.

These are 10 of the 21 settlements that were destroyed during the painful expulsion, and they are now returning to the hands of IDF forces who are establishing a strategic foothold there.

In the northern Gaza Strip, the area where the settlements of Eli Sinai, Nissanit and Dogit were previously located presents the most significant change in the area.

In the past, these three settlements were only about 1.5 kilometers from the old border.

Now, the IDF has annexed a new strategic area of ​​about 3.5 kilometers, which leaves a huge, safe and secure space for the establishment of new and luxurious settlements.

In the central Gaza Strip, the reality is more complex, but there is also a clear presence on the ground there.

The settlement of Morag is currently within the area of ​​control of IDF forces.

In contrast, the other settlements of the central bloc, which include Netzarim, Netzer Hazani, Gadid, Ganei Tal, Ganei Or, Katif, Neve Dekalim, Kfar Yam, Tel Katifa and Shirat Yam, are located further west towards the sea coast, and are therefore currently further from the Yellow Line.

The most significant developments were recorded in the southern settlements, which include Morag, Badolah, Pat Sadeh, Atzmona, Shaliu, Rafah Yam, and Kerem Atzmona.

There soldiers annexed between two and 2.5 kilometers deep in the south of the Gaza Strip, and an additional 6.5 kilometers from its eastern side.

This border change places some of the settlements in the southern bloc right inside the territory of the State of Israel.