Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have approved infrastructure work in eastern Rafah under a project dubbed "Green Rafah," Army Radio reported. The decision was taken about two weeks ago but not publicly announced. The Emirati-backed pilot aims to build temporary housing under multinational force supervision, with Palestinian labourers subject to Shin Bet security screenings before entry.
Authorities have barred mobile homes from the zone until at least November 2026, and the Israeli military will directly supervise construction. Palestinian researchers warned the plan could create isolated cantons under full Israeli control, while settler groups condemned the approval.
The move comes as Netanyahu rejected a US-led Board of Peace plan for Gaza and reiterated that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. A ceasefire in effect since October 2025 has been marred by continued Israeli strikes that have killed more than 1,200 Palestinians.