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NYT: 'Israel' continues Gaza demolitions after ceasefire

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Palestine

Satellite analysis shows more than 2,500 buildings demolished in Gaza after the ceasefire.
Palestinians say the destruction erases entire neighborhoods and undermines any post-war stability.

A New York Times investigation based on recent satellite images from Planet Labs shows that 'Israel' has demolished more than 2,500 buildings in the Gaza Strip since the signing of a ceasefire agreement, despite claims that the operations target tunnels and booby-trapped homes.

The report said the ceasefire, signed after a two-year war that devastated the enclave, raised Palestinian hopes for calm and recovery after relentless bombardment that destroyed much of Gaza’s urban fabric.

Demolitions continue after ceasefire

Ground realities point to continued demolition operations, particularly in areas under 'Israeli' control inside Gaza.

Under the agreement, 'Israeli' forces withdrew behind a demarcation line inside the enclave known as the “yellow line”, leaving roughly half of Gaza under 'Israeli' control. Satellite data showed that most demolitions occurred within these zones.

However, satellite imagery also revealed the destruction of dozens of buildings beyond the line, in areas that were supposed to be under Hamas control, where the 'Israeli' army had pledged to halt operations.

The Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City stands out as a stark example. Images taken shortly after the ceasefire showed partially standing structures, while later images months afterward revealed the area largely flattened. Some demolitions extended up to 900 feet beyond the declared 'Israeli' control line.

Civilian impact and disputed justifications

'Israeli' officials told the newspaper the demolitions were part of a plan to “disarm Gaza,” claiming they targeted an extensive tunnel network used by Hamas to store weapons, hide captives, and launch attacks.

Palestinians and independent analysts counter that the destruction goes far beyond security needs. Entire neighborhoods are being razed with no regard for residents or property, especially as most of the population had already been forcibly displaced by evacuation orders and fighting.

United Nations estimates indicate that more than 80 percent of Gaza’s buildings were damaged or destroyed by October 11, 2023.

Many displaced Palestinians told the newspaper they feel a deep sense of loss, saying what remains of their collective memory and history is being systematically erased.

Ceasefire violations alleged

Hamas said 'Israel' is clearly violating the ceasefire, arguing that the destruction of homes and civilian property constitutes hostile acts that the agreement does not justify.

The 'Israeli' army defended its actions, insisting the demolitions were not random and that some resulted from detonating tunnels crossing withdrawal lines.

The New York Times said these explanations have failed to quell criticism, with warnings that continued destruction could jeopardize any future stability in Gaza and further complicate post-war recovery.

The Gaza Ministry of Health said Monday that the death toll from 'Israeli' genocidal crimes since October 2023 has risen to 71,419 deaths, with 171,318 wounded.