A report published on April 7, 2025, by Breaking the Silence reveals that Israeli military actions in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, lacked a clear rationale and may have violated international law.

As of early April 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly expanded their control to approximately 30% of Gaza's territory, significantly entrenching military operations and evacuation orders.

IDF commanders justified the extensive destruction of buildings and agricultural lands, claiming it was necessary to protect Israeli communities from potential attacks by Hamas fighters.

Israeli soldiers systematically destroyed buildings and agricultural fields to establish a buffer zone, which now extends between 800 to 1,500 meters into Gaza, compared to the previous buffer of just 300 meters.

The report indicates that this methodical destruction has wiped out an estimated 35% of Gaza's agricultural land, critically impacting the local population's sustenance.

Soldiers reported demolishing over 3,500 buildings and destroying vital agricultural areas used for crops such as wheat and citrus fruits, essential for local livelihoods.

The personal impact of these military operations is exemplified by farmer Mahmoud Al-Shafei, who lost his strawberry farm due to the establishment of the buffer zone.

The military's actions have created a 'kill zone' where anyone entering the designated area is considered a target, leading to a pervasive mentality among soldiers that all Gazans are potential militants.

Rules of engagement varied among units, with some officers receiving 'shoot to kill' orders for adult men, while women and children were often subject to 'shoot to drive away' directives.

Testimonies from soldiers highlighted a lack of clear guidelines on engagement rules, resulting in indiscriminate use of heavy firepower against perceived threats.

Some commanders viewed the destruction as a form of retribution for the October 7 Hamas attacks, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The testimonies collected by Breaking the Silence, a group dedicated to exposing military actions in Palestinian territories, underscore the severe implications of these operations on Gaza's agricultural autonomy and civilian life.