Key facts
- Israel is constructing a network of earth barriers and physical barriers in Gaza, extending over 42km.
- These barriers effectively move the de facto border deeper into Gaza, displacing Palestinian families.
- The construction suggests Israel is preparing for a long-term occupation of the strip.
- Hamas accuses Israel of violating the October ceasefire agreement by moving the Yellow Line.
- Israeli officials state the deployments are operational measures for security and to prevent Hamas rebuilding.
Israel is constructing extensive new land barriers and earthworks in the Gaza Strip, effectively moving the de facto border deeper into the territory and displacing Palestinian families. These developments suggest Israel is preparing for a prolonged occupation, despite the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement from last October.
Families in areas like al-Tuffah in northern Gaza have reported waking to find yellow concrete blocks, used by Israel to mark its controlled areas, moved westwards. These barriers now extend over 42km, covering 85% of the designated 'Yellow Line' which was meant to be a temporary demarcation.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire by moving this line, while a senior Israeli government official stated the deployments are operational measures to protect Israeli citizens and prevent Hamas from rebuilding. Experts analysing satellite imagery suggest the earthworks indicate Israel's planning for a long stay along the Yellow Line, with some sections of the embankment extending significantly beyond the original mapped boundary.
Residents have described being forced to flee their homes due to military warnings and strikes, with some losing their tents and belongings. Verified videos and satellite images show land being churned up, buildings flattened, and new military bases being established to accommodate the barriers. Security experts believe Israel is transforming the Yellow Line from a temporary withdrawal boundary into a de facto internal border, further squeezing Gaza's population amid dire humanitarian conditions.