Satellite images analyzed by Israeli newspaper Haaretz showed that the Israeli army continued to demolish buildings and other structures in areas under its control in the Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire signed in October remaining in force. According to UN estimates, 81% of all buildings in Gaza were damaged during the war that began in 2023, including structures crucial to the population.
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One of the places where there have been a large number of demolitions is Gaza City: in the eastern part of the city and in the Shujayeh district, hundreds of buildings, some of which appeared intact, have been destroyed in recent weeks, while the ceasefire was in force. Since May 2024, with Israel adopting a new policy, civilian contractors have been hired to demolish entire streets and neighborhoods in the enclave – in places like Rafah, to the south, and the Jabalya refugee camp, to the north, virtually all buildings and homes have been demolished.
In addition to them, 80% of roads, 87% of arable land and 80% of greenhouses no longer exist, directly affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Experts say there are 61 million tons of rubble in Gaza, which could take years to clear and involves hidden dangers, such as unexploded explosives and toxic materials.
At the same time, satellite images show the construction of new refugee camps in areas controlled by Hamas. According to the agreement signed in October between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the United States, the Israelis retain control of 53% of Gaza. Before the war, a million Palestinians lived in this area, and the new camps suggest they will not be able to return to what remains of their homes any time soon.
According to a study by the Israeli NGO B’Tselem, on average, 90% of Palestinians have lost their homes and had to change their roof six times on average since 2023. The text indicates that 161 evacuation orders have been issued by the Israeli army, leaving civilians vulnerable to disease and violence.
Along the line that demarcates areas under Israeli control from the rest of Gaza, called the Yellow Line, at least 13 new military checkpoints have been identified. A total of 48 stations are in operation, connected by roads to Israeli territory. The Israeli government says it has no intention of annexing Gaza, even though some members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government insist on the idea.
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Since the signing of the first stage of the peace agreement, promoted by US President Donald Trump, Israel and Hamas have repeatedly violated their commitment to suspend fighting. Israeli attacks have left dozens dead in the territory, and the actions of rival Hamas militias, some with indirect support from Israel, have transformed the security environment in Gaza.
Despite this, Trump appears willing to pursue the plan’s next steps, which involve governance of the territory and possible reconstruction. Next week, Netanyahu will meet with the American president in the United States and is expected to address issues that are still open, such as his demand for the complete disarmament of Hamas (the Palestinian group demands to keep at least some weapons).
There are also disagreements over who will succeed Hamas as leader of Gaza and, on an even more sensitive issue, over a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu has said he opposes but which is increasingly finding international support.
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