Satellite images show how Israel is paving key Gaza road

“Paving the road puts pressure on negotiators and mediators. The Israelis are trying to create a fait accompli,” says Dr Krieg.

“It also suggests that Israel is not going to withdraw entirely from the Gaza strip any time soon,” he says.

He cites a road built earlier this year by Israeli forces across northern Gaza – known as the Netzarim Corridor.

“If you look at the investments made in the Netzarim Corridor, it’s clear they have no intention of withdrawing anytime soon, they’ve got concrete barriers, forward operating bases with towers and walls – you don’t build those if you’re planning on withdrawing.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Philadelphi Corridor as a “lifeline” for Hamas, and is adamant that Israel maintains a military presence there as a condition of any agreement.

At a press conference on Wednesday, he added: “You want to destroy Hamas’ military and governance capabilities, you can’t let Hamas rearm. So you have to control the corridor.”

The IDF’s chief of staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, said on 14 August that “the Philadelphi Corridor is important because it deals with strengthening our position. We are preparing for all scenarios that the political level may decide.”

Retired Egyptian Major General Dr Samir Faraj, now a commentator on military strategy, said Israel’s aim was “psychological warfare… paving the road is a media war, a war in which Israel sends a message to different parties that they will not leave.“

We have asked the Israeli military why it is surfacing the road now but have not received a response.