U.S. Collaborates with Israel on Safe Zone for Gazans
WASHINGTON – A senior U.S. official announced Wednesday that the United States is collaborating with Israel to establish a safe zone aimed at protecting Gazans who are living in fear under Hamas rule. This initiative comes as reports surface about Hamas conducting brutal public executions of Palestinians, which they accuse of working alongside Israel.
This safe zone will be located behind the Israel Defense Forces’ “yellow line” that marks the area for withdrawal from the Gaza Strip following a ceasefire agreement last week. It intends to offer a refuge for those feeling threatened by Hamas without requiring them to enter Israel, according to one U.S. official.
“This is, in fact, a direct response to the alarming reports of Hamas executing its opponents,” the official mentioned. “Israel is dedicated to ensuring the safety of Gazans who aspire to live peacefully, and that’s why we’ve initiated this new effort.”
The official also noted that the U.S. proposal received significant enthusiasm from Israel for setting up this safe zone.
“After two years of conflict, it seems like Israel is attempting to demonstrate concern for the people of Gaza,” the official added. “They want to support peace-loving individuals, making significant efforts to accept and protect those who wish to coexist peacefully while distancing themselves from Hamas.”
Simultaneously, U.S. officials indicated that, “We are collaborating with mediators to convey our desire for an agreement.” The objective is to halt the executions carried out by Hamas.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Gen. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), directly accused Hamas of enacting violence against Gazans. He urged the group to “immediately stop all violence and shootings against innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” addressing both those in Hamas-controlled areas and those behind the yellow line.
“This is a historic chance for peace,” Cooper stated. He urged Hamas to step back, adhere to President Trump’s 20-point peace initiative, and disarm without delay.
Cooper emphasized that he had shared his concerns with the mediator and that the U.S. military’s command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, would remain actively engaged. “I’m quite hopeful about the prospects for peace in this region,” he noted.
In the meantime, terrified residents in Gaza who oppose Hamas shared their accounts on Tuesday, revealing nightmarish scenes of armed groups dragging individuals from their homes and executing them in the streets without any legal proceedings.
“They wiped out entire families,” recounted one witness. “They murdered elderly people, children, whole families.”
“Hamas is seeking revenge on civilians,” they added, highlighting the chaos and fear permeating the region.
