A recent report by The New York Times has revealed that Israel has significantly expanded its control within the Gaza Strip, a year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. The newspaper analyzed satellite imagery and reported that Israeli forces have fortified their positions, established at least 12 military outposts, and advanced beyond the agreed-upon withdrawal line. This development appears to be cementing a temporary division of the Strip.
The US-backed ceasefire, which took effect in October 2025, initially placed about half of the Strip under Israeli control. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in May that the military controlled approximately 60 percent of Gaza’s territory and intends to seize more. The Israeli military explained that the establishment of its bases in Gaza aligns with its defensive doctrine, operational needs, and the ceasefire agreement.
The New York Times report cited analysis from analysts, diplomats, and Gaza residents, who noted that Israel’s actions since the ceasefire have resulted in an expanded Israeli-controlled zone and a smaller area administered by Hamas. The majority of Gaza’s approximately two million residents currently live in the Hamas-administered area. The report also highlighted that Israel could still withdraw if a ceasefire agreement makes progress, though subsequent steps appear stalled.
In addition to establishing military outposts, Israeli forces have deployed roadblocks, erected earthen berms, and imposed restrictions on access to areas within the Strip. Satellite imagery revealed new Israeli positions along the “Yellow Line,” while Israeli forces have destroyed thousands of buildings in areas under their control since the truce began. The images also showed the destruction of more than 100 buildings south of Deir al-Balah between late August and early September.
The destruction of buildings in Gaza has been extensive, with the UN Human Rights Office reporting that approximately 80 percent of housing in Gaza has been destroyed or damaged. Furthermore, at least 196 Palestinians, including 18 women and 43 children, have been killed near the “Yellow Line” since the ceasefire. The Israeli military’s actions have been described as targeting Hamas’s tunnel network, among other things.
US officials had previously announced an agreement with Hamas in July regarding the laying down of arms, but Netanyahu rejected the plan and refused to withdraw without “genuine disarmament.” The Israeli military’s establishment of bases in Gaza is aimed at protecting Israeli forces and nearby communities within Israel. The situation in Gaza remains complex, with ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
The New York Times report highlights the significant expansion of Israeli control in Gaza since the ceasefire. The establishment of 12 military outposts and the destruction of thousands of buildings have resulted in a substantial change to the Strip’s landscape. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s residents and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement.
Key points
- Israel has established 12 military outposts in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect.
- The Israeli military controls approximately 60 percent of Gaza’s territory and intends to seize more.
- Approximately 80 percent of housing in Gaza has been destroyed or damaged since the ceasefire.
