​Israeli soldiers have provided detailed testimonies about the systematic destruction of buildings and agricultural lands in the Gaza Strip, aiming to establish a substantial buffer zone along the border. According to a report by the Israeli human rights organization Breaking the Silence, these operations expanded the buffer zone to a depth of 800 to 1,500 meters inside Gaza by December 2024, with ongoing expansions thereafter. ​

The soldiers' accounts reveal that over 3,500 buildings were demolished using explosives and bulldozers, and approximately 35% of Gaza’s farmland was leveled, including areas vital for post-war reconstruction such as industrial zones and agricultural fields. One soldier described the area as resembling "Hiroshima," highlighting the extensive devastation.

These actions have led to significant humanitarian concerns. Amnesty International has called for investigations into potential war crimes, citing the unlawful destruction of civilian infrastructure and forced displacement of residents. The expansion of the buffer zone has resulted in Israel controlling over 50% of Gaza's territory, raising fears of permanent occupation and further displacement among Palestinian residents. ​

The Israeli military has justified these operations as necessary to prevent future attacks, referencing the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. However, human rights organizations argue that the scale and methods of destruction may constitute collective punishment and violate international law. 

These developments have sparked international debate over the legality and morality of the buffer zone's expansion and its implications for the civilian population in Gaza.