Satellite imagery analysis conducted by Al Jazeera’s fact-checking agency, Sanad, has revealed disturbing developments in Rafah, southern Gaza, where Israel has destroyed dozens of homes despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The Rafah crossing, a critical lifeline between Gaza and Egypt, was closed by Israel in May 2024, and since then, Israel has taken steps to consolidate its control over the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border, despite this move being in violation of the 1979 peace agreement with Egypt. The corridor has become a focal point of Israel’s military activities, with satellite images showing the construction of sand fortifications, a new military outpost, and a 1.7-kilometer road encircling the Rafah crossing. These developments underscore Israel’s determination to establish a buffer zone in the region, effectively pushing residents and potential fighters away from the border.
The destruction of homes in Rafah has had a devastating impact on the local population. Satellite images taken between January 19 and 21 reveal that 64 buildings were demolished in neighborhoods such as as-Salam, Idari, and Tel Zaarab, with additional homes razed in Tal as-Sultan, west of Rafah. These demolitions occurred mere hundreds of meters from the Egyptian border, raising concerns about the legality of these actions under international law. Palestinian defense analyst Hamze Attar has described the destruction as a war crime, citing the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the destruction of private property during conflict. The devastation has left thousands of Rafah residents displaced, with many unable to return to their homes due to Israeli military activity. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have shot at civilians attempting to return, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
The situation in Rafah has been further complicated by Israel’s ongoing military presence in the area, despite the terms of the ceasefire agreed upon on January 19. The ceasefire stipulated that Israel would reduce its forces and withdraw its troops by the 50th day of the agreement. However, satellite imagery shows that Israel has continued to expand its military infrastructure in the region, with construction activities continuing unabated. This has led to widespread condemnation, as the demolitions and military entrenchment appear to contravene the spirit of the ceasefire. The construction of a buffer zone, as described by Hamze Attar, has effectively created a hostile environment for residents, who are now subjected to heightened military surveillance and restrictions on movement.
The humanitarian consequences of Israel’s actions in Rafah are dire. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, has reported that 118 people have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, with deaths resulting from Israeli attacks, unexploded ordnance, and severe injuries sustained earlier in the conflict. The Rafah crossing, once a vital conduit for essential supplies, remains closed, leaving Gaza’s population in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Food, fuel, tents, and emergency shelters are in short supply, exacerbating the already dire living conditions for displaced residents. Rafah Mayor Ahmed al-Sufi has described the situation as catastrophic, with an estimated 200,000 people displaced and unable to return to their homes. Initial assessments indicate that 90% of Rafah’s homes have been damaged, with approximately 52,000 residential units suffering varying degrees of destruction.
The closure of the Rafah crossing has severely compounded the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The crossing, which has long served as a lifeline for the enclave, has been shuttered by Israel since May 2024, effectively cutting off a critical route for the delivery of essential supplies. This move has left Gaza’s population increasingly dependent on alternative routes, which are often unreliable or insufficient to meet the needs of the population. The lack of access to basic necessities has further destabilized an already fragile situation, with many families struggling to survive in the face of prolonged displacement and economic hardship. The closure of the crossing has also severed a vital link between Gaza and Egypt, with residents no longer able to access critical medical care, education, or employment opportunities across the border.
In conclusion, the situation in Rafah, southern Gaza, paints a grim picture of ongoing conflict and humanitarian suffering. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel’s continued military expansion and home demolitions have left thousands of residents displaced and in dire need of assistance. The closure of the Rafah crossing has compounded the crisis, severing a vital lifeline for the enclave and deepening the economic and humanitarian toll on Gaza’s population. The international community has been urged to intervene, with calls for accountability for what many describe as war crimes. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the need for a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict becomes increasingly urgent, with the rights and dignity of Gaza’s residents hanging in the balance.
