Israel quietly consolidating control over Gaza as all eyes on Iran
Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, January 2024
The New Arab reports on 10 March 2026:
Israel has stalled the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, using the cover of the Iran war to consolidate control over the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli forces have continued attacks on Gaza for months, despite a ceasefire coming into effect in October last year, with daily artillery and aerial bombings, demolitions, and targeted assassinations of Palestinian leaders.
On Tuesday, medical sources in Gaza said the death toll since October 2023 had risen to 72,134, with at least 171,828 wounded by the Israeli aggression, Wafa news reported. The same source said that at least 649 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire, with 1,730 wounded, and 756 bodies recovered.
Israel has continued to block aid to Gaza, keeping the Rafah crossing with Egypt closed since 1 March due to “security” concerns, and limiting access through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing.
While carrying out direct violations of the ceasefire, Israel has also ensured that key provisions of the Gaza peace plan remain stalled. The civilian administration tasked with taking over Gaza’s governance remains unable to enter the Palestinian territory, despite receiving approval from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.