40 Military Points and 8 New Sites.. Satellite Images Reveal Occupation's Expansion in Gaza Despite Ceasefire

Recent satellite images, taken up to May 2026, have revealed the continued expansion of the Israeli military presence within the Gaza Strip, contrary to the terms of the ceasefire agreement signed seven months ago. Field analyses of the captured images showed the establishment of new military sites and the development of existing ones, with the addition of fortifications, trenches, and areas designated for the deployment of heavy machinery.

Sources observed the presence of 40 Israeli military points distributed across the geography of the Strip, including 8 sites that were entirely established after the ceasefire agreement came into effect in October 2025. These points are strategically located near separation and control lines, enhancing the occupation army's ability to stifle Palestinian population centers and control their movement.

Comparing images taken in October 2025 and May 2026 indicates that the occupation exploited the period of calm to strengthen its military infrastructure. The new sites included two areas in northern Gaza, one site in Juhor ad-Dik, two sites in the central region, in addition to 3 sites in Khan Yunis city in the south.

In the Juhor ad-Dik area, east of Gaza City, areas that were open in October 2025 had transformed into an emerging military base by May 2026. Sequential images showed that engineering works and earth embankments began in March 2026, confirming that construction took place during a period that was supposed to see a gradual withdrawal.

As for the town of Beit Lahia in the northern part of the Strip, images revealed the completion of the external structure of a new military site and its equipping with advanced internal facilities. Work on this site began in November 2025 and gradually developed until it became an organized military point capable of permanently accommodating combat units and military vehicles.

In a blatant violation of sacred sites, satellite images showed the establishment of a military point in Khan Yunis city directly on the ruins of the Eastern Cemetery. Field preparations at this site reveal large areas for the deployment of vehicles and structures that may be used as operational facilities or sleeping quarters for soldiers and operations officers.

It was not limited to newly established sites; the changes also included a significant expansion of military points that were already in place when the agreement was signed. In one base east of Gaza City, the total area increased by up to 70%, with the addition of new defensive fortifications and the reorganization of internal pathways to facilitate vehicle movement.

In the central region, images detected the excavation of deep trenches around military sites, a step that clearly indicates the occupation's intention to prolong its field presence and secure its forces against any potential attacks. These engineering works reflect a strategic direction towards transforming temporary points into permanent and heavily fortified bases.

The Netzarim Corridor stands out as one of the most important military strongholds, with images detecting the presence of 3 military sites around it to ensure the continued separation of the northern part of the Strip from its south. This deployment gives the occupation army full fire and field control over key movement corridors, hindering the return to normal life for Palestinian citizens.

These data confirm that Israel has not adhered to the gradual withdrawal provisions stipulated in the American initiative proposed by Donald Trump. Instead of evacuating sites, they have been reinforced with infrastructure including internal roads, earth embankments, and meeting areas, suggesting that the army is preparing for a long-term stay within the Strip's borders.

This military expansion comes at a time when field violations continue, with the Ministry of Health recording the martyrdom of 929 Palestinians since the ceasefire agreement came into effect last October. These figures reflect the fragility of the agreement amidst ongoing Israeli military operations and the construction of new bases within residential neighborhoods.

According to official statistics, the total toll of the comprehensive Israeli aggression since October 2023 has risen to over 72,000 martyrs and 172,000 injured. Images show that the current military presence surrounds populated areas, threatening to increase this toll if any new confrontations erupt from these bases.

Observers believe that these engineering movements aim to impose a new geographical reality that will be difficult to change in any future political negotiations. The construction of 40 military points means transforming the Gaza Strip into a militarily fragmented area, where each area is under direct control from surrounding bases, undermining any chance for genuine Palestinian sovereignty.

With construction work continuing as observed up to the date of the last image in May 2026, the number of military sites is likely to increase in the coming weeks. This reality presents international mediators with the challenge of compelling the occupation to adhere to the agreed-upon withdrawal schedule and preventing Gaza from becoming a permanent military barracks under the guise of a ceasefire.

The Israeli military presence within the Strip has not receded as stipulated by the agreement; instead, it has seen a remarkable expansion through the establishment of more organized and sustainable infrastructure.