Israeli forces have continued their offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press. The images, taken by Planet Labs PBC on Saturday, show Israeli tanks and armored vehicles positioned just south of the marina in Gaza City. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War also confirmed the presence of Israeli forces in the area. The troops have reportedly cut off Gaza City to the south before moving north towards the marina. The satellite photos also reveal deep impact craters from missile fire, some of which are now filled with seawater. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the images.
Plumes of smoke can be seen from various locations around Gaza City, including the main hospital, Shifa. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its tunnels and command centers, a claim that both Hamas and the hospital staff deny. Despite the allegations, Shifa’s staff have been carrying out surgeries on war-wounded patients, including children, without anesthesia due to limited supplies.
Under international law, hospitals are granted special protections during times of war. However, these protections can be lost if combatants use the facilities to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. In response, Israel launched a campaign of airstrikes and a military offensive into the Gaza Strip. The Health Ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, reports that over 11,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with two-thirds of the casualties being women and children.
Israeli soldiers have approached Gaza City from three different positions. One group has cut across the southern edge of the city to the coast of the Mediterranean, while two other forces have pushed in from the north. Journalists have been unable to enter the city, making it challenging to gather independent information.
Satellite imagery from commercial companies, such as Planet Labs, has become increasingly valuable for reporting on areas that are inaccessible to journalists. The AP has a subscription to access Planet Labs imagery, which aids its reporting worldwide.
