Alarming satellite images reveal Israel is preparing for Gaza escalation

Israel appears to be preparing to ramp up the war on Gaza, satellite imagery appears to show.

The satellite images, obtained and analysed by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit, showed Israeli troops and vehicles near army bases and outposts just outside the Gaza Strip.

There were an estimated 800 military vehicles at two bases, at the northern border of the Strip and in the Negev desert, towards the south, according to the images.

The analysis indicated that Israel plans to escalate its war on Gaza, with nine military outposts being visible outside the enclave.

Three of the outposts were erected in November and December last year, while another six were set up between January and March this year.

Israel looks ready to escalate its devastating war on Gaza after stationing troops and vehicles at nearby army bases and outposts just outside the enclave, according to Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit https://t.co/NqIAbsfGcI pic.twitter.com/cnAL7sAPzk

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 23, 2024

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 34,000 Palestinians since 7 October, with 77,000 more wounded in the same time frame.

Despite Israel withdrawing some of its forces from the enclave in recent weeks, the analysis based on the satellite images suggests that Israel will dedicate most of its military resources to its military campaign in Gaza.

In recent months, Israel has repeatedly threatened to launch a larger offensive in Rafah, where around 1.4 million forcibly displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

A ground invasion of the city of Rafah is likely to rapidly worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, suffering under Israel’s more than six-month siege and relentless bombardment.

Governments around the world – including some of Israel’s closest allies – and rights organisations have told Israel to call off the invasion of Rafah.

Rafah, bordering Egypt’s Sinai, is the last refuge for Gaza’s desperate population but even there Palestinians are not immune from Israel's deadly bombardment.

The city has already come under airstrikes, including an attack last week which killed 22 people, including 18 children, according to health officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says invading Rafah is essential to dismantling Hamas, claiming the Palestinian group still has brigades in the area and a series of tunnels.