Palestinians look at the destruction of the Gatshan family building after an Israeli strike in Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza on Dec. 18. For decades, Israel has established “facts on the ground” to expand and entrench its control of the West Bank while defying international condemnation. Now, after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, Israel is using the same strategy to achieve a new goal: the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. If Israel’s assault ended today, analysts estimate that more than 50% of housing in Gaza has already been severely damaged or destroyed. Herein lies the menace of Israel’s “facts on the ground” strategy.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 03, 2024 03:42 UTC