Israel Expands Military Sites in Gaza According to Satellite Images

US-Backed Reconstruction Plans for Gaza Stall Amid Ongoing Israeli Military Expansion

Satellite images obtained by Al Jazeera Digital Investigations Unit have revealed that Israel has been constructing permanent military bases in Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah, which was slated to be a key component of US-backed reconstruction plans. The project, touted as a centerpiece of a post-war Gaza vision, appears to have stalled before even breaking ground.

Analysis of satellite imagery from February 25 to March 15 shows that Israeli forces are systematically entrenching a permanent military presence across the devastated enclave. Rubble removal has largely ceased in Beit Hanoon and Rafah, while extensive clearing and fortification work has been observed at strategic locations such as al-Muntar hilltop in Shujayea.

The findings align with a 2025 investigation by Forensic Architecture, which identified 48 Israeli military sites within Gaza. These sites have evolved into permanent bases with paved roads, watchtowers, and communication links to Israel’s domestic military network.

US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, showcased AI-generated visions of a “New Rafah” featuring skyscrapers and luxury resorts at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. However, critics have warned that this plan is a mechanism for demographic re-engineering and forced displacement.

Satellite images also show that Israel has secretly moved concrete boundary markers hundreds of meters deeper into areas designated for Palestinians. The Israeli Ministry of Defense has confirmed the construction of military sites across Gaza, but details on the extent of these operations remain unclear.

The ongoing violence in Gaza continues to claim lives, with over 72,300 reported deaths since the start of Israel’s genocidal war in October 2023. An independent study published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that the actual death toll could be significantly higher.

Source: Al Jazeera