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Source: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-border-gaza-buffer-zone-4131020d?mod=hp_lead_pos7
Israel Clears Buffer Zone along Gaza Border
(Wall Street Journal) Dov Lieber - Israeli soldiers have been clearing a 1-km. security zone inside Gaza along the border with Israel. The width of the zone could vary, depending on the topography and how close Palestinian communities are to the border, according to a former Israeli official familiar with the plan. Israeli officials say the buffer zone is a critical security measure in their plan to demilitarize Gaza and assure Israelis that they can return safely to their communities near the border that were evacuated after the Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 people. A clear field of fire is being created so Israeli troops can see and stop anyone approaching the frontier. 21 IDF reservist soldiers were killed on Monday during demolitions of buildings in the planned security zone. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced opposition to the concept Tuesday, saying, "We've been very clear about maintaining in effect the territorial integrity of Gaza," he indicated Washington might accept a zone temporarily.