CNN analysis of satellite imagery, and videos released by the Israel Defense Forces, CNN reporting
Graphic: Lou Robinson, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Katie Polglase and Ivana Kottasová
Satellite imagery and official reports indicate that Israeli ground forces are closing in on Gaza City, the most densely populated area in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported that they have encircled the city, advancing on three axes: from the northwest along the Mediterranean coast, from the northeast near Beit Hanoun, and from east to west along the southern outskirts of Gaza City. This strategic movement seems aimed at dividing the strip into two parts.
The IDF’s progress is visible in European Space Agency satellite imagery from Wednesday, which indicates that Israeli forces are less than a kilometer away from completely surrounding Gaza City. While the imagery is low-resolution, it shows tracks from heavy armored vehicles snaking across the strip, particularly south of the urban center, near the coast.
Although there is limited video footage of Israel’s advance south of Gaza City, images released by the IDF and shared on social media show that Israeli troops have reached the northernmost communities of Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and Atatra, effectively enclosing Gaza City from the north. Satellite imagery and videos have also revealed Israeli forces on Salah al-Din Road, a major highway running through the strip, seemingly obstructing any movement from Gaza City toward the south.
Gaza City is home to nearly 2 million people in a densely packed area, with approximately 21,000 individuals per square mile. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah reports that over 9,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, and more than 23,000 others have been injured. Israel initiated its offensive in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, during which the militant group conducted cross-border raids, resulting in numerous casualties and hostage situations.
The IDF’s approach to the ground incursion into Gaza has been cautious and systematic due to the challenges of urban warfare and the presence of Israeli hostages believed to be held by Hamas in an extensive tunnel network. The tunnels are part of a complex defense strategy that includes booby traps, snipers, suicide bombs, anti-tank missiles, and other prepared measures against IDF actions within Gaza.
Satellite imagery shows breaches in the border wall, indicating the path of Israeli forces into northwestern Gaza, which then proceeded southward along the coast and through farmland. IDF photos demonstrate the soldiers advancing deeper into the strip, particularly in proximity to the Al Shati refugee camp, which is only a few miles from the center of Gaza City. Videos show Israeli troops advancing on foot across sandy terrain and using heavily armored bulldozers to clear paths through obstacles and debris.
Both the IDF and Hamas have released videos of the ongoing conflict, illustrating the challenges and risks involved in the fighting, including the use of drones and explosive devices. The IDF is making efforts to widen the surface area of its operations to avoid densely populated streets and focus on ruined areas.
Verified videos from northern Gaza exhibit the extent of damage caused by Israeli airstrikes ahead of the ground operation. These areas appear deserted, suggesting that civilians and Hamas militants have either fled or retreated before the arrival of Israeli forces.
It is uncertain how many civilians remain in Gaza City, but there are growing concerns about a humanitarian crisis, with dwindling medical supplies, water, and food, coupled with the advancing Israeli troops. Gaza’s main hospital, Al-Shifa, faces severe challenges due to power shortages, which are affecting critical functions such as oxygen generation. The hospital is overwhelmed with patients and displaced individuals seeking shelter from the ongoing assault, raising concerns about the dire situation.
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