Israeli Security Forces Begin Preliminary Gaza Tours Ahead of Reconstruction Efforts

New footage from the American base at Kerem Shalom shows the first Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and international troops conducting preliminary tours in the Gaza Strip. According to the Forum of the Israeli Periphery, these tours are preparatory steps for reconstruction work in areas under Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) control along the 'yellow line' in Gaza.

The Forum clarified that statements claiming Gaza's reconstruction will not start before Hamas is disarmed apply only to Hamas-controlled areas. They cited Article 17 of the agreement, which allows reconstruction in IDF-controlled zones to commence in the coming weeks. The international forces and the 'Peace Council' have already begun these preliminary tours, even as Hamas continues to strengthen and rearm.

However, the activist group Tzav 9 criticized this move, arguing that any reconstruction before Hamas is fully disarmed would enable the rebuilding of terrorist infrastructure. They warned that such actions would reward Hamas and encourage it to resist disarmament, resulting in a significant defeat for Israel in the ongoing conflict. Tzav 9 announced a protest scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, at Kerem Shalom, opposing what they describe as the neglect of the security of the Israeli border communities and a return to a failed policy approach.