Journalist Entry to Gaza Post-Ceasefire
An NPR reporter, accompanied by a group of international journalists, entered the Northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, approximately one month following the implementation of a ceasefire. This marked the reporter's initial entry into Gaza after a two-year period of conflict.
The group visited an Israeli military outpost offering a view of what was formerly the Shujaiya neighborhood adjacent to Gaza City. This area, which experienced intense fighting, now exhibits extensive structural damage. Tall buildings in Gaza City are visible in the distance, surrounded by widespread debris from demolished structures, including former residential buildings and educational facilities.
Gaza's Current Division and Military Presence
Gaza is presently divided by a "yellow line," a demarcation established as part of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces maintain a presence in one half of Gaza, while the other half is under Hamas control. Palestinians are currently restricted from returning to the sector where Israeli troops are stationed.
During the visit, Israeli military personnel provided information regarding Hamas tunnel routes that are actively being discovered and dismantled in the area. Both Hamas and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been granted access to this zone to facilitate the recovery of bodies belonging to hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
Future Plans and Journalist Access
The next phase of the ceasefire includes provisions for the deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Israel has stated that its withdrawal from Gaza is contingent upon the execution of these steps. Questions regarding the implementation of these phases and the potential for a return to conflict or the establishment of the temporary division as a long-term status quo remain.
The Israeli military is reportedly developing infrastructure, such as cellular towers, electricity poles, and cement walls, within its controlled section of Gaza, indicating preparations for a sustained presence. Concurrently, Hamas is reported to be reorganizing and consolidating its control in its designated part of Gaza.
Journalist access to Gaza remains controlled by Israel, with visits requiring military escort and subject to review by Israel's military censor. During the recent visit, an Israeli military map of Gaza was prohibited from publication, while other materials were cleared. Independent entry for journalists to Gaza is currently not permitted. The Foreign Press Association in Israel and the Palestinian territories has filed a petition with Israel's Supreme Court challenging this restriction, with the Israeli government expected to present its position by November 23.