Israel Expands Military Positions Further Inside Gaza Despite Ceasefire Agreement

International Desk: PNN

Despite the ceasefire agreement announced in October 2025, which called for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, ground realities appear to be the opposite. Satellite analysis conducted by Al Jazeera’s open-source unit indicates that Israeli forces are constructing new and more permanent military installations inside the Gaza Strip.

According to the analysis, satellite data available up to May 2026 has identified at least 40 separate Israeli military outposts across Gaza. Among them, at least eight bases have been newly constructed after the ceasefire came into effect. Construction work is still ongoing at one additional site, the report added.

These military installations are spread across northern, central, and southern Gaza. The most concentrated expansion appears to be around Khan Younis and the Netzarim corridor, where multiple new bases have reportedly been established.

The report further states that one of the newly built military bases in eastern Khan Younis was constructed directly over the ruins of a cemetery. Construction began in November 2025 using heavy machinery, and by May 2026 the site had developed into a fully functional military facility, including vehicle parking areas and accommodation structures for troops.

A similar pattern of rapid militarization was observed in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. While the area was largely empty in October 2025, permanent infrastructure was constructed within weeks, transforming it into a fortified military zone.

Satellite imagery also shows significant expansion of existing bases. In eastern Gaza City, one military installation has reportedly expanded by nearly 70 percent. Additionally, trenches and reinforced defensive structures have been built in several locations.

Around the Netzarim corridor, multiple military posts have been established, strengthening control over movement between northern and southern Gaza, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently reiterated directives suggesting continued control over large parts of Gaza, according to various reports. He has also claimed that nearly 60 percent of Gaza is currently under military control.

Gaza-based political analysts argue that the expansion of these military structures contradicts ceasefire commitments. They believe the installations are intended to establish long-term control and strategic dominance over the territory.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, thousands of people have been killed and injured since the beginning of the ongoing conflict. It is also claimed that violence has not fully stopped even after the ceasefire.

The satellite-based findings have raised renewed international concern, as the military presence inside Gaza appears to be becoming increasingly permanent despite the formal ceasefire agreement.