A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced on January 19, yet tensions remain high as destruction continues in Gaza. Although Israel agreed to gradually reduce its military presence and fully withdraw within 50 days, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Thousands of Rafah residents, displaced from their homes, face dire conditions. The Israeli military has constructed a 1.7 km road encircling the crossing and erected sand fortifications, obstructing humanitarian aid and endangering lives.
In the months following the ceasefire, Israeli forces have prevented thousands from returning to their homes in Rafah. Reports indicate that dozens attempting to return have faced gunfire, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Essential humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, tents, and emergency shelters, remains insufficient, compounding the crisis. Initial estimates reveal that around 90 percent of Rafah's homes have suffered damage, with approximately 52,000 units experiencing various levels of destruction.
Satellite imagery analysis indicates that Israel has continued construction activities in Rafah, demolishing 64 buildings within the city. These demolitions have primarily taken place in the as-Salam, Idari, and Tel Zaarab neighborhoods. Additionally, at least six homes were razed in Tal as-Sultan, located just over 750 meters from the Egyptian border. Despite the ceasefire agreement, 118 people have lost their lives due to Israeli attacks, unexploded ordnance, or injuries sustained earlier.
The Israeli army's actions have been criticized by many. Hamze Attar highlighted the strategic intent behind these actions as establishing "a buffer zone that allows you to push any kind of fighters or, in technical terms, any hostile within an otherwise friendly environment away from you." Meanwhile, Attar has condemned the destruction of residential properties as a violation of international law, stating, "This is a war crime because they are destroying residential houses."
The closure of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza since May 2024 has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Most of Rafah's residents remain displaced, with an estimated 200,000 people seeking refuge in the al-Mawasi Khan Younis area and other regions across Gaza. The ongoing demolitions and lack of access to essential resources have left many unable to return home.
