Israel has demolished more than 1,500 buildings in Gaza since the ceasefire began on October 10. This extensive destruction raises concerns about potential violations of the ceasefire agreement.

At a glance

Destruction in Gaza Post-Ceasefire

Since the ceasefire with Hamas commenced on October 10, Israel has reportedly destroyed over 1,500 buildings in Gaza. Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show that entire neighborhoods under Israeli control have been leveled. The latest images, taken on November 8, reveal extensive demolitions occurring in a short period. The actual number of destroyed buildings may be higher, as some areas lack available satellite imagery for assessment. Experts have raised concerns that these demolitions could violate the ceasefire brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. However, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson stated that their actions are in line with the ceasefire framework.

Analysis of Satellite Imagery

BBC Verify conducted a visual analysis using satellite imagery to assess the extent of destruction in Gaza. By employing a change detection algorithm, they compared radar images taken before and after the ceasefire. This analysis highlighted significant changes indicating destruction, which were then manually counted. The focus was on buildings located behind the Yellow Line, a boundary established as part of the ceasefire agreement. The IDF had committed to withdrawing its forces to this line, yet many of the demolished buildings appeared undamaged prior to their destruction. For instance, in eastern Khan Younis, buildings that once stood intact were reduced to rubble.

Eyewitness Accounts of Destruction

Residents like Lana Khalil, who lived in Abasan al-Kabira, have shared their experiences of displacement and loss. Khalil described her former home as a "heaven" filled with farms and vegetables, now reduced to ruins. She expressed heartbreak over the destruction, stating that the sounds of demolition could be heard from their temporary shelter in al-Mawasi. Similar patterns of destruction have been observed in other areas, such as al-Bayuk near Rafah. Satellite imagery shows numerous buildings that appeared undamaged before the ceasefire now lying in ruins. Aerial footage from early November captured a large explosion, further illustrating the ongoing devastation.

IDF's Justification for Actions

Eitan Shamir, a former head of the National Security Doctrine Department in Israel, argued that the IDF's actions do not breach the ceasefire terms. He claimed that the ceasefire does not apply to areas behind the Yellow Line. Verified videos of controlled demolitions have been geolocated to these areas, supporting the IDF's stance. The IDF maintains that its operations are necessary to dismantle terror infrastructure, including tunnels. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized the importance of demilitarizing Gaza as part of national security policy. The ceasefire agreement, based on a peace plan proposed by former President Donald Trump, outlines the destruction of military infrastructure but also calls for independent monitoring of the demilitarization process.

Legal and Political Implications

Experts have raised concerns that Israel's actions may violate international laws governing warfare. Adil Haque, a law professor, noted that the destruction of civilian property by an occupying power is generally prohibited unless justified by military necessity. He argued that significant destruction during a ceasefire is unlikely to meet this criterion. Hugh Lovatt, a Senior Policy Fellow, warned that continued demolitions could jeopardize the peace plan. He suggested that Israel's prolonged presence behind the Yellow Line might create new permanent realities, similar to its actions in the West Bank. This situation could threaten the fragile ceasefire and complicate future negotiations. The ongoing destruction in Gaza raises critical questions about the adherence to ceasefire terms and the broader implications for peace in the region.