Satellite imagery reveals rapid construction of military bases and watchtowers across Gaza

New satellite imagery analysed by Al Jazeera’s Digital Investigations Unit shows Israeli forces rapidly expanding permanent military fortifications across Gaza, even as US-backed plans for post-war reconstruction remain stalled.

Images captured between February 20 and March 15, 2026, from Planet Labs and Sentinel Hub indicate accelerated construction of bases, trenches, dirt berms, paved roads, and watchtowers. Key sites include al-Muntar hilltop in Shujayea, Gaza City, outposts in Khan Younis, and areas near Deir el-Balah and Juhor ad-Dik. Rubble clearance in northern Beit Hanoon and Rafah has largely halted, contrasting sharply with ongoing military engineering.

These developments align with a 2025 Forensic Architecture report identifying 48 Israeli military sites in Gaza, 13 established after the October ceasefire. Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, have described the “yellow line” demarcation as a “new border,” vowing never to fully withdraw and planning military-agricultural settlements. Imagery reveals concrete markers pushed hundreds of metres into designated Palestinian areas.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s “New Rafah” vision—promoted with AI-generated luxury resort concepts—has shown no progress on the ground. Critics, including Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, warn the plan risks creating confined “ghettos” with strict security controls.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 750 deaths and 2,090 injuries since the ceasefire, amid continued Israeli operations. Humanitarian groups have given the reconstruction efforts failing grades, citing minimal impact on civilian conditions. Satellite data access is also facing restrictions.

The findings highlight a deepening military entrenchment amid stalled civilian recovery in the war-ravaged enclave.