Satellite imagery shows that Israel has intensified attacks on high-rise residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in Gaza City, using widespread bombardment to forcibly displace thousands ahead of a larger ground operation.

Although the Israeli military claims it is targeting “military infrastructure,” the majority of affected towers were shelters for displaced families and surrounded by overcrowded camps. Repeated strikes have reduced these buildings to rubble, leaving them uninhabitable and triggering mass movement of civilians southwards. Analysts describe this as a deliberate “fire density” strategy designed to empty northern and western neighbourhoods.

Between September 2 and 15, at least 22 towers and apartment blocks were destroyed, often giving residents less than an hour to evacuate. The most intense destruction occurred in al-Rimal, Tel al-Hawa, and al-Shati refugee camp, forcing tens of thousands to flee. Despite claims of “safe zones” in Khan Younis and Rafah, these areas are overcrowded, under constant bombardment, and lack essential services, rendering survival almost impossible.

The campaign continues a long-standing policy of targeting civilian areas to facilitate forced displacement, echoing earlier attacks earlier this year in Jabalia, al-Zeitoun, Sheikh Radwan, and Gaza’s Old City. Satellite evidence paints a stark picture of systematic destruction and mass civilian displacement across the city.