Israeli Military Razes Gaza Towns and Blocks Reconstruction
The Israeli military has systematically demolished numerous towns across the Gaza Strip, leaving millions homeless and blocking construction materials needed for reconstruction.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs reveals that the Israeli military has systematically razed numerous towns and districts across the Gaza Strip, including the city of Rafah, which previously housed 250,000 people. Using explosives and bulldozers, the military has leveled areas such as Beit Hanoun and Bani Suheila, the latter of which now serves as a military base. These demolitions have continued even after a ceasefire agreement reached in 2025 halted large-scale offensives.
The campaign has left nearly the entire population homeless, forcing 2 million Palestinians into makeshift tent cities. More than 10% of the prewar population has been killed or wounded. While the military asserts these actions prevent Hamas from utilizing buildings or tunnel networks, a U.N.-appointed expert warned in February that the scale of destruction is unprecedented and could constitute genocide or a crime against humanity. Israel rejects these accusations, stating it targets militants interwoven with civilian areas.
Reconstruction remains stalled as Israel bars most construction materials from entering the enclave. Furthermore, no agreement has been reached regarding the disarmament of Hamas or the withdrawal of Israeli forces, who maintain control over approximately 60% of the territory and have established at least 50 military outposts.
