Rafah infrastructure project begins in Gaza's Green Zone

Practical steps have begun for a pilot infrastructure rehabilitation project in the "Rafah Green Zone," located within the so-called "Yellow Line" in the southern Gaza Strip. The project aims to establish water, electricity, and sewage networks, as well as soil leveling. While military reports suggested that Gazan residents might be employed for labor following security screenings by the Shin Bet, the Prime Minister's Office issued a clarification stating the project is supervised by the United Arab Emirates. The office emphasized that utility works will be directly overseen by the Israeli military rather than local contractors.

Political restrictions currently limit the scope of the project, with a ban on bringing mobile buildings or caravans into the area until at least November 2026, suggesting a phased approach focused on limited rehabilitation rather than full reconstruction.

Separately, Israeli security officials have discussed withdrawing from specific sites in Gaza to allow for the introduction of a multinational force. Reports indicate discussions regarding the potential deployment of approximately 500 soldiers from Morocco and similar numbers from Uganda, though the effectiveness of such a force remains a subject of debate within Israel.