Israel’s maintenance of conditions to prevent Gaza’s reconstruction

At a conference organised by the financial publication Calcalist, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz made a series of statements indicating further possible aggression against Palestinians. The “significant trend of instability” – deemed a threat to Israel’s security despite the imperialist agenda that creates turmoil to safeguard its base, was utilised by Gantz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm Israel’s commitment to violence and consolidation of the settler-colonial project.

According to the Times of Israel, Gantz stated, “The instability in the region regularly characterises the life of IDF soldiers. We have no intention of allowing these changes to pass without a response, we responded and will respond strongly if ever required.”

Gantz’s comments were further reinforced by Netanyahu, who hailed Operation Protective Edge as an example of Israel’s “strong and determined response against any attempt to breach the peace in the South.” The reference to Israeli and Palestinian clashes during which an Israeli soldier was wounded resulted in severe retaliation from Israel, in the form of jets striking “Gaza targets” during which, it has been reported, Hamas’ surveillance commander Tayseer al-Ismary, was killed.

Ma’an News Agency’s report which also refers to the Israeli attacks on Gaza, portrays concerns with regard to Israel’s recruiting of Palestinian collaborators, thus rendering border security a contentious issue. According to Ma’an, the Ministry of Interior Spokesman Iyad al-Buzm stated that more security forces were being deployed in the Gaza border to prevent infiltration.

Taking into consideration the destruction wrought during Operation Protective Edge, as well as the bureaucracy agreed upon by Israel, the UN and the Palestinian unity government that is preventing Gaza’s reconstruction, the comments uttered by Gantz and Netanyahu demonstrate commitment to continuous aggression against Palestinians. As restrictions preventing reconstruction increase, with the foregone conclusion of Gaza becoming once again a humanitarian concern divested from the political, Israel’s intent to embark on another phase of destruction is clearly implied, bolstered by the premeditated and collective intent to allow Gaza to fester in its ruins – an outcome of diplomatic engagement with hostile entities politically aligned with Israel, including the submissive unity government that functions as an extension of the PA.

Apart from Israel’s belligerent rhetoric, the UN’s statements consistently echo “deep concern,” isolating the latest display of colonial vengeance from the wider ramifications including the wilful impositions that facilitate Gaza’s deterioration. Israel and the Palestinians, according to UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, should “maintain and reinforce the ceasefire of 26 August and refrain from escalating tensions.”

Maintenance, as opposed to decolonisation, has sustained Israel’s presence in Palestine. Hence the constant references to agreements which, ultimately, have always resulted in Palestinians’ unwilling subjugation. Adhering to the ceasefire terms has provided Israel with additional space to increase and demonstrate its violent aims. Recently, a rocket fired from Gaza into open countryside was met with the destruction of a cement factory, thus proving the current objective of preventing any form of reconstruction in Gaza – a means of consolidating the conditions that might lead to further displacement of Palestinians.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.