Satellite Imagery Suggests Israel is Constructing New Military Dividing Line Across Gaza

Satellite images analyzed by BBC Verify appear to indicate that Israel is establishing a new military dividing line in Gaza, effectively segmenting the far northern part of the strip. Troops are reportedly in control of and clearing an expanse across the width of north Gaza. Satellite images and videos reveal that hundreds of structures have been razed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Israeli border, predominantly through controlled explosions. The images also show Israeli forces and vehicles positioned along this new partition. Analysts suggest these images imply Gaza is being sectioned into zones to enhance control. An IDF spokesperson informed the BBC that it was “targeting terrorist operatives and infrastructure” in north Gaza. Dr. H. A. Hellyer, a Middle East security expert from the Rusi think tank, stated that the satellite images implied Israel was preparing to prevent Palestinian civilians from returning to the north Gaza governorate. According to the UN, over 100,000 individuals have already been displaced from Gaza’s northernmost region. The images seem to depict two lengthy road segments at opposite ends of the strip being connected by cleared land through an urban area. Buildings are being demolished between these two road sections, a distinct pattern observed since early October. This partition extends approximately 5.6 miles (9km) across Gaza, from east to west, separating Gaza City and the towns of Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia in north Gaza. The BBC has been informed that a tactical route exists between Jabalia and Gaza City, which is part of operational activities aimed at Hamas in Jabalia. Videos filmed by the IDF and posted online show multiple multi-storey buildings being destroyed in controlled explosions since the beginning of October. A graphic presented examples geolocated by BBC Verify along the new corridor. An IDF spokesperson told the BBC that it had no intention of destroying civilian infrastructure “without operational necessity” to neutralise Hamas. Other footage shows IDF Humvee vehicles being driven through the cleared area from the direction of Israel. Humvees are not as heavily armoured as other military vehicles – and Dr. Hellyer told the BBC that their use would be unlikely unless the military was confident about their safety, suggesting that Israeli troops are in control of the area. Some analysts believe the IDF’s presence could indicate a permanent military partition – granting it control over who can travel between the Gaza and the North Gaza governorates. Dr. Hellyer remarked about the IDF: “They’re digging in for the long term. I would absolutely expect the north partition to develop exactly like the Netzarim Corridor.” The BBC has previously documented the construction of two other partitions in Gaza since the onset of the current conflict. The Netzarim Corridor divides an area south of Gaza City, while the Philadelphi Corridor grants the IDF control of land running the length of Gaza’s border with Egypt. BBC analysis of this new northern partition reveals a similar pattern to the construction of the previous corridors over the past year, with existing and newly built roads being connected and military positions emerging at regular intervals. Buildings and agricultural land are cleared to allow for roads to be paved and military infrastructure to be built. Dr. Eado Hecht from the Begin–Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (Besa), an Israeli think tank specializing in national security and foreign policy, agreed that the data indicated a new dividing line, but questioned its intended permanence. “There is a new partition corridor separating Gaza City and the northern towns of the Gaza Strip. The goal is to cut off the Hamas – and other organizations’ – forces that have returned to that area from support and the ability to retreat, so they can be dealt with more effectively.” Israel has denied that it is implementing the “General’s Plan.” Under this strategy, devised by former general Giora Eiland, civilians would be instructed to leave the north, supplies would be blocked, and the area would become a military zone. Those who remained would be treated as combatants and faced with the choice of “surrender or starve”, with the aim of pressuring Hamas to release its hostages. In a statement to the BBC, an IDF spokesperson said: “The IDF operates according to well-established military plans, and the claim that the IDF is implementing this specific plan is incorrect.” However, concerns have escalated regarding the safety of the thousands of Palestinian civilians who remain in besieged towns in north Gaza. The UN and aid charities have expressed significant concerns about the situation in the north of Gaza. While thousands of people have been displaced, the UN states that over 65,000 people could remain in the area. The UN also reported that “virtually no aid” had entered parts of the North Gaza governorate in 40 days as of November 20. A spokesperson on November 26 stated that Palestinians were “facing critical shortages of supplies and services, as well as severe overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions” due to the blockade. Earlier this month, a UN-backed assessment indicated a strong likelihood that famine was imminent in the besieged areas of northern Gaza. BBC analysis shows that approximately 90% of north Gaza has been subject to evacuation orders since the start of October. Videos posted on social media document people being moved south of the new partition. It is not clear if and when they will be able to return, but Israel’s foreign minister has insisted civilians will be allowed to return after the war. Satellite images illustrate the displacement of people in north Gaza. Large groups of tents, erected as temporary shelter, disappear. In the area left behind, there are often destroyed buildings and other examples of military activity. While the IDF appears to have established sufficient control in the area to travel in lightly armoured vehicles, heavy fighting has also persisted in the area between IDF troops and Hamas fighters. Videos posted by Hamas fighters show clashes with IDF tanks in the area around the dividing line. Experts disagree on how long the new partition might be intended to remain in place. Dr. Hellyer suggested that it could form the basis of a plan to permanently expel Palestinians from the area. “Personally I think they’re going to settle Jewish settlers in the north, probably in the next 18 months,” he said. “They won’t call them settlements. To begin with they’ll call them outposts or whatever, but that’s what they’ll be and they’ll grow from there.” Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stated that troops should occupy Gaza and “encourage” about half of Palestinian civilians to leave the territory within two years. But the Israeli government denies that it plans to build settlements in Gaza once the war ends, and Dr. Hecht dismissed such suggestions as nothing more than a “dream” for some ultranationalist ministers. “All three corridors (Philadelphi in the south, Netzarim just south of Gaza City and the new one just north of Gaza City) are for control purposes,” Dr. Hecht said. “The duration of their existence depends on when the war ends and in what manner it ends.”