Satellite imagery obtained by USA Zine reveals ongoing demolitions conducted by the Israeli military in Gaza, areas that have been occupied since the ceasefire agreement with Hamas was established on October 10. The Palestinian leadership has condemned these actions, citing them as violations of the ceasefire terms. International legal experts and officials from the United Nations have previously asserted that the destruction of civilian infrastructure could be classified as a war crime under international law.
Despite requests for comment, the Israeli military has not responded but has previously indicated that these demolitions fall within the framework of the ceasefire, purportedly as measures taken in response to security threats. As a result of the ceasefire, Israel currently controls approximately 58 percent of Gaza, maintaining its position behind the so-called “yellow line,” which separates coastal Gaza from its bordering regions.
Recent satellite images, capturing the period between November 5 and December 13, indicate that most demolitions have concentrated in the Shujayea and Tuffah neighborhoods of Gaza City. Additional images reveal destruction in the southern city of Rafah and damage to agricultural lands east of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.
Adil Haque, a professor specializing in law and armed conflict at Rutgers Law School, noted that according to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the destruction of private property by an occupying power is generally prohibited, except in circumstances where such destruction is deemed absolutely necessary for military operations. The strict criteria emphasize that destruction must be essential for combat scenarios, and with a general ceasefire in effect, the assailed destruction seems unlikely to meet these legal thresholds.
Further analysis by USA Zine indicates that the Israeli military appears to have established a new military outpost in Tal al-Za’atar in northern Gaza, equipped with new tents and equipment since early November, adding to the already existing military presence within the enclave.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences for the population of Gaza. According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), over 282,000 housing units have been destroyed, displacing approximately 1.5 million Palestinians. Notably, around 93 percent of schools have suffered damage or destruction, and 63 percent of hospitals have been rendered non-operational as of early December.
In the wake of these developments, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 391 Palestinians have died from Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began. The total death toll in Gaza has tragically surpassed 70,000 since the violence escalated following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7. This humanitarian crisis is further complicated by statements from Hamas officials regarding the impact of Israeli military operations.
As the situation remains volatile, the international community continues to call for adherence to humanitarian laws and an end to the cycle of violence, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives and infrastructure.
#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews