Israel Demolishes Over 1,500 Buildings in Gaza Since Ceasefire
Satellite imagery reveals Israel has destroyed more than 1,500 buildings in areas of Gaza under its control since a ceasefire with Hamas began on October 10th, raising questions about the terms of the agreement.
The images, analyzed through November 8th, show entire neighborhoods leveled by demolitions behind the “Yellow Line” – a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement where Israel agreed to withdraw its forces. Areas around Khan Younis, Abasan al-Kabira, al-Bayuk near Rafah, Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood, and near the Indonesian hospital in Jabalia camp have experienced significant destruction. Lana Khalil, a former resident of Abasan al-Kabira now displaced to al-Mawasi, stated, “The Israeli military left nothing to us, they demolished everything,” adding that residents could hear the demolitions from their temporary shelters. This widespread destruction is occurring as Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis and rebuilding efforts are hampered.
While the ceasefire, based on a plan initially proposed by the Trump administration, stipulated the suspension of military operations and the destruction of terror infrastructure, interpretations of the agreement differ. An IDF spokesperson stated they are acting “in accordance with the ceasefire framework,” asserting the demolitions target “terror infrastructure, including tunnels.” However, Dr. H A Hellyer, a RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, argued, “This is definitely a violation of the ceasefire,” noting a reluctance from Washington D.C. to acknowledge the breaches. The legal implications of the demolitions are also being debated, with some experts suggesting potential violations of the laws of war, which prohibit the destruction of civilian property by an occupying power – learn more about the International Committee of the Red Cross’s guidelines on armed conflict.
Eitan Shamir, former head of the National Security Doctrine Department in the Israel Ministry of Strategic Affairs, suggested the IDF believes it is operating within the bounds of the agreement, preparing for potential renewed conflict. The IDF maintains Hamas is free to operate in areas it controls, while Israel is permitted to act in areas under its control. Officials have indicated the demolitions are intended to prevent Hamas from re-establishing infrastructure and launching future attacks, and the situation remains fluid as the ceasefire’s long-term viability is questioned. For more background on the conflict, see the Council on Foreign Relations’ coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.
The IDF spokesperson stated that Israel will continue to respond to threats and dismantle terror infrastructure, suggesting further demolitions may occur.
