Israel is building a road that divides the Gaza Strip in two. Satellite images
A road built by the Israeli army dividing Gaza in two has reached the Mediterranean coast, a CNN analysis of satellite images shows.
It's part of a security plan to control the territory for months and possibly years to come, Israeli officials said.
A March 6 satellite image reveals that the east-west road, which has been under construction for weeks, now stretches from the Gaza-Israel border area across a strip about 6.5 kilometres wide dividing northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the enclave's south. About 2 kilometres include an existing road, while the rest is new, according to CNN's analysis.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it is using the route to "establish an operational foothold in the area" and allow "the passage of forces as well as logistical equipment." Asked about the completion of the route, the IDF said the road existed before the war and had been "renovated" due to armoured vehicles damaging it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled to his security cabinet on 23 February a plan for a post-Hamas future for Gaza, including "complete demilitarisation" of the enclave and overhaul of security, civil administration and education.
Palestinians living in Gaza fear Israel's post-war security plans will further restrict their freedom of movement, recalling the days of the Israeli occupation before 2005, when checkpoints were set up between neighbouring villages and exclusive bypass roads were built to link Israeli settlements to each other and to Israel.
Named after the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim in Gaza, the "Netzarim Corridor" intersects one of Gaza's two main north-south roads, Salaheddin Street, to create a strategic central junction. It also appears to connect with Al Rashid Road, which runs along the coast, satellite images show. Palestinians told CNN they remember the so-called "Netzarim intersection" existing before 2005; back then, it was largely accessible only to Israeli settlers.
Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli told CNN that the new road will "facilitate" the Israeli army launching raids north of Gaza City and south into the central Gaza Strip.
The road, which he said will be in use for at least a year, will have three lanes: one for heavy tanks and armoured vehicles, another for lighter vehicles and a third for faster travel.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
