Israel appears poised to intensify its destructive conflict with Gaza as troops and military vehicles are positioned near army bases and outposts just outside the enclave, as revealed by satellite imagery analyzed by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit.
The assessment shows that over 800 military vehicles have been deployed to two bases, with 120 at the northern border of Gaza and 700 in the Negev desert to the south.
Furthermore, the satellite images uncover the establishment of nine military outposts near Gaza, three built in late 2023 and six between January and March of this year, housing soldiers, command centers, and military equipment.
Despite international criticism, Israel seems determined to continue its offensive against Gaza, initiated in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli communities and military posts on October 7.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, massive displacement, and the destruction of a significant portion of homes.
Israeli authorities report around 1,139 casualties and 250 captives from the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Experts suggest that Israel will focus its military efforts on Gaza, even after withdrawing most forces from the region recently.
Hugh Lovatt, an Israel-Palestine expert with the European Council of Foreign Relations (ECFR), believes that Israel will prioritize addressing the situation in Gaza before turning attention to other potential threats.
An analysis of satellite imagery shows the presence of approximately 120 military vehicles at the Zikim base, on the northern side of the border with Gaza [Planet Labs PBC]
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Source from www.aljazeera.com
