Israel is reportedly planning to establish a broad demilitarized zone (DMZ) surrounding the Gaza Strip after completing its impending ground-assault in the Palestinian territory and eradicating Hamas.
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The expected DMZ would extend the length of the 40-mile fence already encircling the Gaza Strip and enhance the elaborate defensive measures already in place. The nearly 20-foot tall border fence currently in place, known as the “Iron Wall,” already has a more than 100 yard buffer zone people are not allowed to enter, along with high-tech defense measures like radar, sensitive motion sensors, a deep concrete foundation to deter tunneling, and an array of heavily-armed observation towers.
The DMZ would provide the Israeli Defense Forces with a deeper and wider range of fire across the border territory, and be instrumental in repelling any potential future incursions from Hamas terrorists. The DMZ would be established after armed Hamas forces are completely routed out from the Gaza Strip, a massive operation that has reportedly been given the “green light” to begin any day now.
Hamas’ attack on Israel has been the worst assault against the Israeli state in 50 years, and has killed over 1,400 Israelis, injured over 4,200 more, and taken at least 100 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “We are at war” and vowed Hamas would pay “a price it has never known.”
Gaza health officials report at least 3,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 12,500 injured. Hamas claims to be holding hostages in tunnels under Gaza as well. Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat said that they shall do everything in their power to bring all hostages back alive. Barkat said the underground network will be reduced to the “world’s biggest cemetery” while promising to decimate the terrorist group “even if it takes a year.”
The lives of civilians and hostages, Barkat explained, would take a back seat to the greater goal of victory.
