Israel continues demolition of buildings in Gaza under military control.
In the evolving landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recent reports have raised concerns over ongoing demolitions in Gaza, sparking heated debate about their legality amidst a fragile ceasefire. Satellite imagery analyzed by ZezapTV highlights these actions, suggesting a potential violation of international law and an unsettling continuation of hardship for the region’s residents. As activists and legal experts call for accountability, the situation underscores a critical need for renewed dialogue and lasting solutions.
Satellite images examined by ZezapTV’s fact-checking agency reveal that the Israeli military has persisted in demolishing buildings in parts of Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas went into effect on October 10. The Palestinian group has characterized these demolitions as a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Legal experts, as well as United Nations officials, assert that such destruction of civilian infrastructure may constitute a war crime under international law.
While the Israeli military has not commented directly on the findings from ZezapTV, officials have previously indicated that these actions are deemed necessary to mitigate ongoing threats. Following the ceasefire, Israel has taken control of approximately 58 percent of Gaza, retreating behind a “yellow line” that marks separated areas along the coast from heavily populated border regions.
The latest demolitions documented occurred between November 5 and December 13, predominantly affecting the Shujayea and Tuffah neighborhoods in Gaza City. Furthermore, satellite observations indicated additional demolitions in the southern city of Rafah and damage to agricultural facilities east of Deir el-Balah, affecting food security for many locals.
Adil Haque, a law professor specializing in armed conflict at Rutgers Law School, explained that under the Fourth Geneva Convention, any destruction of private property by an occupying power is forbidden, except in instances where it is strictly necessary for military operations. Haque emphasized that the criteria for such exceptions are exceedingly stringent.
Analysis conducted by ZezapTV further suggests that Israel may have established a new advanced military outpost in Tal al-Za’atar in northern Gaza, with enhancements made between November 5 and December 13. Prior to this, there were 39 active Israeli military points within the enclave. The ongoing military operations continue to exact a toll on civilian life; the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported last month that 282,000 housing units have been destroyed, rendering 1.5 million Palestinians displaced.
Educational and health facilities have also suffered tremendously, with reports indicating that approximately 93 percent of schools are damaged or destroyed, and 63 percent of hospitals remain out of service as of December 9. An independent commission from the UN Human Rights Council has frequently cited attacks on civilian infrastructure, especially medical facilities, concluding that Israel’s actions in Gaza could be classified as genocide.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 391 Palestinians have lost their lives during Israeli attacks in the enclave since the ceasefire began. Overall, the conflict has resulted in at least 70,663 Palestinian deaths since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, which led to the tragic deaths of at least 1,139 people.
Hossam Badram, a political bureau member of Hamas, condemned a recent statement from Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir, who referred to the “yellow line” as a “new borderline” with Gaza. Badram argued that the ongoing demolitions are a continuation of military operations, highlighting the urgent call for justice and peace in the region.
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