The possibility of Israel building settlements in Gaza Strip has become a subject of renewed debate following statements from some Israeli politicians and activist groups calling for Israelis to return to the territory.
Israel withdrew its settlers and military forces from Gaza in 2005 under the unilateral disengagement plan, dismantling all Israeli settlements there. Since then, Gaza has been governed internally by Palestinian authorities, with control changing after later political developments, while Israel has maintained varying levels of control over its borders and security.
Supporters of rebuilding settlements argue that Israel should re-establish a permanent presence in Gaza for security or ideological reasons. However, many Israeli officials have not endorsed such proposals, and the issue remains politically divisive within Israel.
The international community, including the United Nations and many governments, generally considers Israeli settlements in territories captured in 1967 to be contrary to international law, although Israel disputes aspects of that legal interpretation. Any move to establish settlements in Gaza would likely face significant international opposition and legal challenges.
Analysts say that, beyond the political and legal issues, rebuilding settlements in Gaza would face major practical obstacles due to the ongoing conflict, humanitarian conditions, security concerns, and the uncertain future governance of the territory.