Israeli authorities are considering the creation of a "humanitarian compound" in northern Gaza to provide temporary housing for Palestinian civilians who have been displaced by the conflict. This initiative would allow these individuals to relocate to northern Gaza once the Israeli military operations in the area have concluded.
The compound's planning is still in its initial phase, and it is uncertain how many people it could accommodate or if it will indeed be developed. Nevertheless, this marks the first sign that Israel is starting to ponder the return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza once the current military operations phase is over.
Israel has notified the United States about its exploration of this project, and a senior Israeli official mentioned that Israel would also be seeking assistance from other countries. An international humanitarian official also confirmed discussions about the project and suggested that other countries and private entities could potentially be involved.
The Israeli military has stated that they are nearing the defeat of Hamas militants in Jabalya and Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City, which are the last remaining strongholds of Hamas in northern Gaza.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested on Monday that displaced civilians may be allowed to return to northern Gaza once Israel has completed its military goals in the area.
"We will be able to gradually transition to the next phase in every area where we achieve our mission and begin the process of bringing back the local population. This may be achievable sooner in the north than in the south," Gallant stated during a news conference with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The war between Israel and Hamas has displaced nearly 85% of Gaza's population, and many of those displaced from northern Gaza will not have homes to return to. Therefore, there is a need for the construction of shelters to facilitate the return of some of the population.
By the end of November, an analysis by the United Nations Satellite Centre revealed that approximately 80% of buildings in northern Gaza had been either damaged or destroyed due to ongoing Israeli bombardment.
Under pressure from the United States, the Israeli government is considering a project to diminish its military campaign in Gaza and create additional safe zones for Palestinian civilians.
Israel is considering building shelters for Palestinians in northern Gaza following visits by Austin and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The officials have also begun discussing the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with the United States and Gulf countries.
