From Erez to Jabalya: A look inside of the IDF's new Gaza security zone

Key Points:

• Travel along Highway 4 toward Gaza was halted at a military checkpoint before entering a heavily fortified and destroyed Gaza border area, highlighting the aftermath of recent conflicts and ongoing security measures.
• The largest tunnel discovered in Gaza, belonging to Mohammed Sinwar, was a sophisticated underground network destroyed by the IDF in late 2023, preventing Hamas operatives from launching planned attacks via the tunnel.
• IDF forces have established extensive defense positions, including surveillance and engineering operations to detect and destroy Hamas tunnels, effectively controlling about 60% of the territory near the Yellow Line border despite ongoing threats.
• The area once dominated by Hamas military infrastructure, including officer housing and intelligence compounds, has been largely destroyed, with the IDF now reinforcing security and preparing for potential renewed conflict amid political uncertainty.
• While ceasefires are debated politically, the IDF continues active operations and fortification efforts in Gaza, turning former Hamas strongholds into secured zones with advanced surveillance, infrastructure, and soldier support facilities.