Despite the start of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, recent satellite images have revealed the establishment of new Israeli military sites in both the southern and northern parts of the territory, indicating a continued on-ground military presence.
Images obtained by Al Jazeera dating back to before December 2 show that open areas in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza near the so-called “Yellow Line,” were completely free of any military installations, earthworks, or military vehicles.
However, satellite images captured after February 1 show a clear transformation of the same location into an Israeli military base, including military vehicles, field facilities for soldiers, and surrounding earth berms, pointing to a fixed and sustained military presence.
A comparison of the images also shows the construction of a second Israeli military base very close to the first one in Khan Younis, within the vicinity of the Yellow Line, after the area had previously been entirely devoid of any military infrastructure before December.
In northern Gaza, recent images reveal movements of military transport vehicles and logistical equipment at one site, while images taken prior to December showed no signs of military activity in the same location, reinforcing indications of an expanded Israeli military deployment despite the ceasefire.
Near Jabalia in northern Gaza, earlier satellite images showed no evidence of a military base, with the area appearing unused for military purposes. This changed in more recent satellite imagery, which highlights new military developments on the ground.
The “Yellow Line” separates areas of Israeli army deployment, which cover approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip’s territory to the east, from areas in the west where Palestinians are permitted to move.
In mid-January, the United States announced the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s plan to halt the war, despite Israeli calls to delay its entry into force.
