Satellite imagery shows flattened neighborhoods in Gaza after Israel’s demolitions during the ceasefire period (Photo: File)
New satellite images seem to reveal widespread demolitions in Gaza a month after the U.S. brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect, starting October 10, 2025. A BBC Verify investigation found that around 1,500 buildings appear to have been destroyed in areas controlled by the Israel Defense Forces, raising questions over whether the terms of the ceasefire are being adhered to.
Satellite images analyzed through a radar based change detection algorithm show large swaths of destruction throughout Khan Younis and Rafah. Whole neighborhoods, visible before the ceasefire are now flattened. The data is incomplete, due to missing visuals from some regions analysts believe the number of destroyed structures could be far higher.
These photos show not only building demolitions but also the destruction of gardens, orchards and other civilian infrastructure. Israel’s IDF claims these demolitions are part of the agreement to dismantle terror infrastructure.
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Former Israeli official Eitan Shamir has defended the IDF's operations, maintaining that actions taken beyond the yellow line the boundary separating control zones do not breach ceasefire.
The IDF spokesperson repeated that the demolitions were pinpointed and never aimed at the destruction of tunnels, weapon repositories and militant installations that such measures were fully in line with Israel's national security interests.
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Security experts and international observers have disputed the Israeli interpretation. Dr. H.A. Hellyer, Senior Fellow at RUSI, said the destruction constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire terms, even as Washington and its allies appear unwilling to officially acknowledge it.
The ceasefire framework originally was based on a 20 point peace plan brokered by the U.S., Turkey, Egypt and Qatar that explicitly called for an end to all military operations, including aerial and artillery strikes.
Continued demolitions by the IDF signal preparations for future operations amidst distrust that Hamas will honor the next phase of the deal. As the Gaza skyline changes, humanitarian concerns mount and questions linger on whether the ceasefire has truly brought peace or simply paused a war still simmering beneath the rubble.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and verified satellite data. It does not represent any political or institutional stance.
