The political economy of Gaza re-occupation

Israel’s intended re-occupation of Gaza might be appealing but is unlikely to be fruitful.

Since the waning down of battlefield intensity in January, Israel has shifted its strategy from direct engagement with militants to surgical operations launched from stationed positions established recently. The new positions were established on the outskirts of the Gaza Strip and became known as the buffer zone. This is part of Israel’s plan for “the day after” in Gaza which includes re-occupying it to ensure Hamas is dismantled. However, can this strategy work?

Buffer zone map

First, securing the military supply lines. To ensure Israel’s ability to sustain frequent incursions into Gaza, the military needs to secure its supply lines to the buffer zone and into the Strip. Hamas and other militant factions have worked to make this difficult.