If the buffer zone — which stretches from the end of the Gaza border to the Mediterranean Sea — is completed, it will completely engulf the Egyptian-Rafah border crossing complex. Additional satellite imagery reviewed by CNN shows that bulldozers arrived on site on February 3, and the initial excavation of the buffer zone began on February 6. CNN has reached out to the Egyptian government for comment on the buffer zone and wall construction. This satellite image from Maxar Technologies shows Egypt building a massive miles-wide buffer zone, and border wall, along its border with Gaza. Israel has been accused of constructing its own buffer zone, but within Gaza, which would effectively shrink the enclave’s borders.

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Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, ’, Peter Lerner, Rajaa Musleh, “, ” Musleh, Fabrizio Carboni, Israel’s, Gazans, Israel, Netanyahu, Volker Türk, ”, ” Türk Organizations: CNN, Maxar Technologies, Sinai Foundation, Human Rights, Gaza Maxar Technologies, Israel Defense Forces, International Committee, Red Cross, New Zealand, UN, Human, IDF Locations: Egypt, Gaza, Rafah, Egypt’s, Gazan, Israel, Australia, Canada, New, North Sinai