Israeli Campaign Found to Target Entire Gaza Town of Beit Hanoon

Israeli Army Demolishes Homes in Northern Gaza Strip

Satellite images analyzed by Al Jazeera’s Sanad unit have revealed that Israel has razed homes in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoon since the ceasefire began in October. The Israeli army is conducting bulldozing operations to clear around 408,000 square meters of land, including the remains of at least 329 homes and agricultural sites.

The operation began on December 15, with the rubble-removal efforts starting directly at the edge of Beit Hanoon, near the fence separating the city from nearby Israeli settlements. The destruction of structures in Gaza has been widespread, with the majority of buildings damaged or destroyed by last October, according to the United Nations.

The Israeli government has stated its intention to establish agricultural-military bases called “Nava Nahal” in the north of Gaza, which would combine farming with an armed presence. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza and will instead maintain control over a buffer zone deep into the territory.

Satellite images show that many buildings in Beit Hanoon were damaged during the war but remained intact until mid-December, when they were completely razed. The operation has sparked concerns among Palestinians that it may be a step towards establishing illegal Israeli settlements in Gaza.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, has expressed concerns about Israel’s actions, stating that the goal is to “destroy Gaza, displace the Palestinians, and attempt to reoccupy and conquer the land”.

Source: Al Jazeera