Satellite images show Israel building new military outposts in Gaza despite ceasefire

New satellite images have revealed that the Israeli military continues to systematically destroy civilian infrastructure across the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October. The findings point to the creation of infrastructure for a permanent occupation in the region.

Images provided by Planet Labs, comparing the situation in Gaza City and the Shujaiya neighborhood before the ceasefire and a few days after, documented that the destruction has continued unabated in recent weeks.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians will not be able to return home

Speaking to the Haaretz newspaper, Palestinian sources drew attention to the demographic structure of the areas that have come under Israeli control. The sources stated, “Before the war, approximately one million people lived in the areas currently under Israeli control. These areas are mainly located in the east of Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and around Rafah.”

The sources noted that these individuals are not expected to return to their homes in the near future and will be forced to live in tents and temporary shelters. The statement included the following remarks: “This situation comes in addition to the hundreds of thousands of people already living in camps for displaced persons because their homes were destroyed.” Haaretz reported that hundreds of buildings have been razed to the ground recently in Gaza City and Shujaiya alone.

Yellow Line and peace plan violations

According to Planet Labs images, the destruction covers an area of hundreds of acres east of the line known as the “Yellow Line,” from which Israeli troops withdrew at the beginning of the ceasefire.

Under the peace plan for Gaza announced by US President Donald Trump, Israeli soldiers are permitted to maintain a security belt around Gaza until Hamas and other resistance groups are completely disarmed. According to the agreement, Israeli forces withdrew to the Yellow Line and are expected to withdraw further as the disarmament process progresses.

However, recent statements by resistance groups and information from the field indicate that Israeli forces have violated the agreement by crossing the Yellow Line during the ceasefire and attempting to seize new territory.

Infrastructure of permanent occupation: 13 new outposts

Research conducted by Forensic Architecture and newly released satellite images have revealed that Israel has built more than 13 new military outposts in Gaza, including around the Yellow Line, since the ceasefire. According to the research group, Israel is consolidating control over approximately 50% of the Gaza Strip and continuously demolishing civilian infrastructure to clear space for new military points.

Forensic Architecture summarized the activity along the Yellow Line as “an increase in the number of outposts at strategic occupation points, the expansion of existing outposts, and the development of military infrastructure.”

The statement from the organization included the following remarks:

“Israel currently maintains 48 military outposts inside Gaza, east of the Yellow Line. These outposts are connected by a network of roads created, expanded, or seized by the Israeli military. These roads also extend to Israeli military bases, roads, and settlements outside Gaza.”

700 violations and 400 casualties in two months

According to satellite data, building demolitions in Gaza have not stopped despite the ceasefire. Images released last month documented that at least 1,500 more buildings have been destroyed since the ceasefire began.

Furthermore, it was reported that Israel committed over 700 violations in Gaza within the two months following the entry into force of the ceasefire, and approximately 400 people lost their lives during this period.