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Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Photo Shows Israel Military Buildup Near Gaza
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite imagery reveals a significant buildup of Israeli troops and military equipment near the Gaza border, signaling preparations for a major ground offensive in the Palestinian enclave. The deployment comes after Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City, raising the stakes in an already volatile conflict and intensifying fears of a broader and more destructive escalation. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and Israel's Foreign Ministry. Why It Matters The buildup highlights an intensifying Israeli military posture amid a fragile and volatile situation in Gaza. Israel's plan to take over Gaza City likely will require a large-scale ground offensive that has alarmed stakeholders in the region. The trajectory of the yearslong conflict now points to a potentially broader and more destructive phase, which could escalate humanitarian suffering and complicate diplomatic relations with Israel's allies including the United States. Imagery dated August 7, 2025, and released by the Chinese satellite firm MizarVision shows the buildup of Israeli military forces at the Karni crossing near northeastern Gaza. Imagery dated August 7, 2025, and released by the Chinese satellite firm MizarVision shows the buildup of Israeli military forces at the Karni crossing near northeastern Gaza. MizarVision What To Know Imagery released this week by a Chinese satellite firm MizarVision showed a growing concentration of Israeli military hardware at the Karni crossing into northeastern Gaza on August 7. The photo appeared to show movements and formations that were consistent with preparations for a significant ground assault. Israeli forces have been conducting ground operations in Gaza since late October 2023, after Hamas militants inflicted the deadliest attack on Israel in its history. There have been occasional pauses for ceasefires, but the new buildup shows Israel is gearing up to seize territory and target Hamas strongholds. A Palestinian boy pushes a cart loaded with jerrycans of water after collecting it at a camp for displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, July 19, 2025. A Palestinian boy pushes a cart loaded with jerrycans of water after collecting it at a camp for displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, July 19, 2025. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo Israel's Plan Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City early Friday, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. While the plan does not extend to full occupation of the Gaza Strip, it marks a strategic escalation aimed at weakening Hamas's hold over the area. Israel closed the Karni crossing in 2011 and completed the final phase of demolition work in 2022. It had been a terminal for goods and humanitarian aid into Gaza but now forms part of the Iron Wall, further tightening the blockade around the small Palestinian territory. Netanyahu has outlined a vision to dismantle Hamas and establish a security perimeter around Gaza rather than govern the enclave directly. Speaking on Fox News, Netanyahu said, "We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel." Discord Between U.S. and Israel The military buildup comes amid disagreements between the Israel and the its strongest international backer the United States. NBC News reported a recent private phone call between Netanyahu and Donald Trump, in which the U.S. president shouted at his Israeli counterpart over the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the U.S.- and Israeli-supported relief initiative. Officials familiar with the call described the tensions as emblematic of strained relations between the two governments at a critical moment in the conflict. Trump has publicly contradicted Netanyahu's assurances about Gaza's humanitarian conditions. While Netanyahu has said there is no starvation in Gaza, Trump has stated otherwise. What People Are Saying Displaced Palestinians travel on carts and vehicles through a makeshift camp along the beach in Gaza City, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/) Displaced Palestinians travel on carts and vehicles through a makeshift camp along the beach in Gaza City, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/) Jehad Alshrafi/AP Photo Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel. That's what we want to do." U.S. President Donald Trump: "I have seen images of children in Gaza who look very hungry. There is real starvation there and you can't fake that." What Happens Next With Israel's security cabinet approval and the confirmed troop buildup, the likelihood of a significant ground offensive in Gaza is increasing. The coming weeks could see intensified fighting, efforts to free hostages and mounting humanitarian challenges. At the same time, the diplomatic strains between the U.S. and Israel may influence both military and relief operations.
Newsweek
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Chinese Satellite Image Shows Changes at Key U.S. Indian Ocean Air Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chinese satellite imagery of the key U.S. base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, located a few thousand miles from Iran and China, shows that B-52 bombers have now left, according to open-intelligence source analysts. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command for comment. Why It Matters The departure of the bombers is an indication of a shift in U.S. expectations for military action. Over the past few months, the U.S. had reinforced Diego Garcia with long-range strike assets, amid rising tensions with Iran. In June, the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer, a major long-range stealth attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, with B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers — but they flew nonstop from Missouri rather than taking off from Diego Garcia. The fragile situation in the Middle East means that U.S. forces could still be called into action at any time on numerous fronts. Imagery released by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision shows U.S. aircraft stationed at the U.S. naval base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on July 21, 2025. Imagery released by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision shows U.S. aircraft stationed at the U.S. naval base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on July 21, 2025. MizarVision What To Know MizarVision, a Chinese satellite company, published a satellite image on its Weibo account that appeared to confirm the departure of the B-52 bombers from the U.S. base, also observed by other open-intelligence analysts on X. High-definition satellite imagery shows that all B-52H aircraft deployed at Diego Garcia have been evacuated, while F-15 aircraft remain on the tarmac. Via Mizarvision #OSINT — GEOINT (@lobsterlarryliu) July 22, 2025 "We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment," Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek in May, commenting on MizarVision's satellite image of the U.S. air force presence at the base. The U.S. buildup at the base had included B‑2 bombers and B‑52 strategic bombers—later joined by six F‑15s and six KC‑135 tankers. However, Washington carried out a deception scheme with its Operation Midnight Hammer and the B-2 strikes were not launched from the base. Diego Garcia, a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean, became one of the most important overseas U.S. military bases following a secret 1966 agreement between Washington and London, in which both countries jointly invested in establishing the base to support their shared defense interests. Tensions over Iran's nuclear program are far from subsiding and despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran following the June military conflict. Iran is due to meet European countries for nuclear talks in coming days, but both the United States and Israel have not ruled out the possibility of further military action. What People Are Saying Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek in May: "We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X in May: "Diego Garcia is a vital military base for the US." Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian told Al-Jazeera Arabic on Tuesday: "We do not rely on the current ceasefire, and we are not optimistic about it." What Happens Next Iran and so-called E3 European countries will hold talks in coming days. If positive, these could pave the way for the resumption of nuclear negotiations with the U.S.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
New Satellite Image Shows U.S. Air Force Buildup at Key Indian Ocean Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image showed a buildup of U.S. Air Force assets at Diego Garcia, a strategic American base in the Indian Ocean. The development comes as tensions are high across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters Diego Garcia serves as a critical forward base for U.S. military operations stretching from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Its remote location and extensive airfield make it a key launching point for long-range strike missions and rapid-response deployments. The deployments at the base suggest a readiness for further military action in the region. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 29 shows U.S. military aircraft posture at the Diego Garcia base. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 29 shows U.S. military aircraft posture at the Diego Garcia base. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know The new satellite image revealed a U.S. aircraft presence at Diego Garcia that includes four B-52 strategic bombers, six F-15 fighter jets, and six KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly known as Twitter. Diego Garcia's remote location—about 2,200 miles from Iran and 3,000 from southern China—provides a secure launch point for U.S. aircraft to conduct long-range missions and remain on station. Imagery captured by Chinese satellite company MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows U.S. forces at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American military base in British Indian Ocean Territory roughly 2,650 miles southeast of... Imagery captured by Chinese satellite company MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows U.S. forces at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American military base in British Indian Ocean Territory roughly 2,650 miles southeast of Iran. More MizarVision Significant movement of military equipment at the air base had been taking place since March with experts believing it could be a staging point for any attack on Iran. In May, the U.S. Air Force announced that B-2 Spirit bombers had returned to Missouri after a deployment to Diego Garcia. On June 13, the U.S. launched a surprise overnight strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers that took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The overnight mission relied on deception, aerial refueling, and near-total radio silence to maintain secrecy and tactical surprise. Decoy flights toward the Pacific diverted attention from the actual eastward strike. Codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, seven B-2 bombers dropped over a dozen 30,000-pound bunker busters on deeply buried nuclear sites., making it the most ambitious U.S. stealth airstrike in decades. The bombers had also been used in striking Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. What People Are Saying Air Marshall Greg Bagwell, former Royal Air Force deputy operations chief told BBC Verify in June: "You would be able to maintain a sustained operation from [Diego Garcia] far more efficiently. You could literally have them round the clock operating." What Happens Next Diego Garcia's assets remain well-positioned to respond swiftly should tensions in the Middle East or Indo-Pacific escalate, as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains fragile and U.S.-Iran diplomatic negotiations are stalled in post-conflict tensions.
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Chinese Satellite Image Shows Destruction of Iran Drone Factory
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New imagery released by a Chinese commercial satellite company has revealed the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory during Israel's two-week air campaign against Iran. Newsweek has contacted the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for comment. Why It Matters Iran's civilian-military infrastructure was targeted by a wave of Israeli airstrikes that began in the early hours of June 13 local time, with the attacks also targeting nuclear facilities in Tehran and in other cities. Iran's expanding drone program is central to its shift toward asymmetric warfare and regional deterrence. Tehran said it has accelerated the development and deployment of diverse drone facilities and systems. This growing capability has alarmed U.S. lawmakers. Undated satellite imagery released by Chinese firm MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory near Mehrabad airport in western Tehran. The precise date of the strike was not... Undated satellite imagery released by Chinese firm MizarVision on June 25, 2025, shows the destruction of an alleged Iranian drone factory near Mehrabad airport in western Tehran. The precise date of the strike was not clear. More MizarVision What To Know The undated satellite photograph published by China's MizarVision on Wednesday showed a warehouse near Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran that had been completely leveled, although the exact date of the hit was unclear. Open-source analyst Mehdi H., commenting on similar satellite imagery captured by Maxar on Tuesday, said the warehouse struck by the IDF had been used by the Iranian state-owned company Quds Aviation Industries to design and build unmanned aerial vehicles including its Mohajer drones. Newsweek could not independently verify the claim. According to the BBC, images authenticated in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes showed that Mehrabad Airport had been struck several times, with satellite imagery revealing several damaged buildings around the area, including warehouses linked to Iran's defense industry. During its military offensive, the IDF said it had destroyed F-14 jets in central Iran and targeted military sites. What People Are Saying Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in his first statement since the ceasefire: "Anyone expecting Iran to surrender to another country is making a foolish and absurd claim that will certainly be ridiculed by wise and knowledgeable people. The Iranian nation is dear and will remain dear; it is victorious and will remain victorious, by God's grace." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: "The reality is…this was a historically successful attack we should celebrate as Americans, and it gives us a chance to have peace, chance to have a deal, and opportunity to prevent a nuclear Iran, which is something President Trump talked about for 20 years." What Happens Next The current ceasefire between Israel and Iran is holding, for now. Whether Iran is willing to reenter nuclear negotiations with the United States is another question.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Chinese Satellites Capture Latest Position of North Korea's Damaged Warship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The second North Korean destroyer, which was damaged during a botched launch into the water last month, has been moved to a repair facility near the country's border with Russia. Newsweek has reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China for comment by email. Why It Matters While North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities, leader Kim Jong Un is pushing for naval modernization as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's conventional military power. However, an accident occurred during the launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer, which Kim described as a "criminal act" that "could not be tolerated." Imagery released on June 9, 2025, by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows a North Korean navy ship undergoing repairs inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard following a botched ship launch... Imagery released on June 9, 2025, by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows a North Korean navy ship undergoing repairs inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard following a botched ship launch in May. More MizarVision What To Know Following the accident, North Korea was seen deploying suspected balloons to assist in the recovery of the destroyer, according to satellite imagery. Last week, state media reported that the warship had been righted for repairs, confirming earlier satellite observations. Kim has reportedly set a deadline for its restoration ahead of a party Congress later this month. Undated imagery released on Monday by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows the damaged North Korean destroyer inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard—near Russia's border—undergoing repairs following the May 21 accident. Citing satellite imagery captured by California-based Planet Labs, NK Pro of the South Korea-based media outlet NK News reported that the North Korean destroyer was seen being moved into the Rajin shipyard's dry dock on Sunday with assistance from support vessels. Yu Jihoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said the North Korean shipyard is capable of conducting "modest repairs and maintenance," CNN reported. The shipyard is located near Rason Port, NK Pro noted, where North Korea and Russia are suspected of engaging in weapons trade using cargo ships. North Korea has been supplying arms to Russia for its war against Ukraine, in exchange for military hardware from Moscow. "Restoration of the damaged warship could accordingly move faster if it involves replacing Russia-sourced electronics or weaponry damaged in the capsizing," NK Pro said. Newsweek has also reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment by email. A second undated satellite image from the Chinese commercial provider shows damage to infrastructure at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard, near the city of Chongjin, southwest of Rajin, where the destroyer partially capsized during its launch. The damage to infrastructure is seen at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard in the city of Chongjin, on June 9, 2025. The damage to infrastructure is seen at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard in the city of Chongjin, on June 9, 2025. MizarVision What People Are Saying The Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday: "After restoring the balance of the destroyer early in June, the [field restoration promotion team] moored it at the pier by safely conducting its end launching on Thursday afternoon … The next-stage elaborate restoration is to be carried out at the dry dock of the Rajin Dockyard for the period of 7-10 days." South Korea's newspaper The Dong-A Ilbo said on Monday, citing a South Korean government official: "The North Korean leader is believed to have ordered the ship's restoration to be completed before the Workers' Party plenary session later this month … Given the tight schedule, North Korea will likely need support from Russia." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether North Korea will be able to complete repairs to the destroyer before Kim's deadline. It is unclear what consequences, if any, will follow if the deadline is missed.
