Less than a mile from the Gaza border, a group of Israelis have established a makeshift community. In their tent encampment, they have a kitchen, a synagogue, and children’s facilities. They hope – one day – to take their community inside the Gaza Strip permanently – replacing the Palestinians who have been displaced by the war.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched the worst terrorist attack on the state of Israel since its founding, Israel Defense Forces have continued an intense airstrike and ground campaign that has displaced about 1.9 million Palestinians, more than 90% of Gaza’s population, according to the UN.
More than 43,000 people have been killed, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
Israel once had settlements in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. They disengaged in 2005, dismantling numerous settlements and removing thousands of Israelis from Gazan territory.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
Israel’s official policy is opposed to the “resettlement” of Gaza. But after more than a year of bombardment and displacement, a small but influential group, now with support from some far-right members of the Israeli government, have their sights set on once again moving into the Gaza Strip to establish new Jewish settlements and military occupation.