BBC Satellite Analysis Reveals Extensive Destruction of Gaza Neighborhoods Since Ceasefire

BBC Satellite Analysis Reveals Extensive Destruction of Gaza Neighborhoods Since Ceasefire
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A BBC Verify investigation has found that Israel has destroyed over 1,500 buildings in Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on October 10, 2025. The analysis was based on recent satellite imagery focusing on areas under Israeli control behind the so-called “Yellow Line,” a boundary defined by the ceasefire agreement.

According to Arab News, the satellite images reveal entire neighborhoods leveled within weeks, including homes that appeared intact before demolition began. Specific areas such as Khan Younis and Rafah showed orchards, gardens, and residential buildings completely erased.

BBC Verify employed a change detection algorithm to compare radar images taken before and after the ceasefire, highlighting changes indicative of destruction. The team then manually counted the visibly destroyed structures. The actual number of demolished buildings may be higher, as satellite data was unavailable for some locations.

The widespread demolitions have sparked debate among legal and regional experts about whether Israel is violating the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire, which calls for a halt to “all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment.” The ceasefire is supported by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye.

Israel denies breaching the ceasefire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their operations are aimed at dismantling “terror infrastructure, including tunnels,” as permitted under the agreement. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized that demilitarizing Gaza remains a central objective and cited provisions in the peace plan that allow for the destruction of militant infrastructure.

Former Israeli officials have argued that activities behind the Yellow Line do not violate the ceasefire, since those zones remain under Israeli military control. Verified footage of demolitions has been geolocated to these areas.