The Times analyzed satellite images and confirmed that the Israeli military has significantly reinforced its presence in the Netzarim Corridor (in the Gaza Strip) and its surroundings.
The troops have also “rapidly expanded a network of outposts equipped with communications towers and defensive fortifications,” the report said.
The army’s expansion work “suggests that they may be preparing to exert long-term control over the area,” The Times stated.
Within the expanded Netzarim Corridor area, additional satellite images analyzed by the Times found that the IDF has been building at a rapid pace, having built or expanded the existing infrastructure of 12 military bases since the beginning of September.
In total, according to the report, the IDF has built at least 19 large military bases and dozens of smaller ones in the area surrounding the Netzarim Corridor.
Satellite images revealed extensive fortifications surrounding the bases, many of which are walled, with access roads and parking spaces for armored vehicles.
The Netzarim Corridor, which began as a six-kilometer strip of land, is built around a road south of Gaza City.
In recent months the corridor has been expanded, reaching as far as the outskirts of Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood to the north, and the Wadi Gaza stream to the south, spanning around 47 square kilometers.
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The United States expressed "concern" over the reports.
The State Department spokesman said that if the information was accurate, Israeli actions "would certainly be inconsistent" with US policy regarding the "day after" in Gaza.