In the Gaza Envelope, They Demand Answers: “If Foreign Forces Are Brought into Gaza, What Happens on Our Side?”

The head of the Eshkol Regional Council, Michal Uziyahu, warns that local authorities in the Gaza envelope are not receiving a full picture of the security implications of rebuilding Gaza and introducing foreign forces. She says they are in contact with the military but not with the state, and raises concerns about Route 232 and the order of operations in the Strip.

Michal Uziyahu, head of the Eshkol Regional Council, warns that while the Peace Council is advancing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the introduction of foreign forces, the authorities in the Gaza envelope are not receiving a full picture of the security implications. "We are in continuous contact with the military, but not with the state," she says, noting that dialogue with the government on policy matters is insufficient. Uziyahu asks what will happen on the Israeli side of the border if foreign forces are introduced or if the scale of forces changes. She expresses particular concern about Route 232, the main transportation artery for the Gaza envelope communities, which cannot accommodate the reconstruction traffic and international forces. She emphasizes that her concern is based on changes she sees on the ground, such as Peace Council vehicles entering Gaza. The critical question for her is the order of operations: "Are foreign forces brought in before Hamas is dismantled?" In the background is the deep trust fracture of Gaza envelope residents since October 7, and Uziyahu seeks direct dialogue with the state to prepare for various scenarios.

In the Gaza Envelope, They Demand Answers: “If Foreign Forces Are Brought into Gaza, What Happens on Our Side?”