Israel is actively constructing new land barriers and relocating concrete demarcation blocks deeper into the Gaza Strip, leading to the displacement of numerous families. These actions are occurring despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement from last October, which established a 'Yellow Line' for Israeli control.
Families in areas like al-Tuffah in northern Gaza have woken to find these yellow concrete blocks moved westwards, encroaching on key routes such as Salah al-Din road. This expansion has forced residents, including Umm Mohammed al-Shawish, to flee their homes, often losing their shelters to subsequent military actions. The al-Shawish family, for instance, had their home destroyed during the war and later their tent shelter torn apart by a strike.
This development fits into a broader pattern of increasing Israeli control over Gaza's territory. The October ceasefire deal initially granted Israel temporary control over 53% of Gaza behind the Yellow Line. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now control over 60%, with a public directive in May to move towards 70% control. This continuous expansion raises significant questions about the long-term stability of the region and the viability of the ceasefire.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating the October ceasefire agreement by moving the Yellow Line westwards. A senior Israeli government official, however, rejected these claims outright. The official stated that "IDF deployments and security lines are operational measures taken to protect Israeli citizens and prevent Hamas from rebuilding its terror army." Israel maintains it will continue to act against any ceasefire violations.
The newly constructed network of barriers now stretches more than 42km, covering 85% of Israel's Yellow Line. The longest single section of this barrier already extends 13.8km. Experts consulted by the BBC suggest these extensive earthworks indicate Israel is planning for a long occupation of the strip. This physical expansion effectively moves the de facto border deeper into Gaza, creating larger no-go zones for Gazans.
In some areas, the earth barrier extends significantly beyond the original Yellow Line. One section near the al-Mawasi camp is more than 1.5km past the initial mapping. Another section in Khan Younis is positioned over 500m beyond the original line. These movements have direct consequences for residents, leading to repeated displacements.
The IDF claims it is working to "clearly and visually mark the location of the Yellow Line on the ground" to "reduce friction." It has previously rejected "all claims that the Yellow Line has been moved or its crossing by IDF troops." Despite these statements, incidents of displacement continue to be reported as blocks are moved into populated areas.
On July 18, dozens of families in the Zeitoun area, east of Gaza City, were forced to evacuate after an IDF order. Residents described shooting from Israeli military vehicles, drones, and artillery shelling during these evacuations. Ismail Kashko, a local resident, stated, "The war is not over. That's a big lie. Every day there are strikes, displacement and evictions."
The UN's humanitarian office, OCHA, reported that some 30 families lost their tents in Zeitoun and required basic supplies. Satellite imagery confirms the disappearance of temporary shelters from the area in July. Residents have also observed Israeli bulldozers and heavy machinery building a new base and earth banks in the eastern part of Zeitoun.
The Israeli military stated its "defensive posture" includes "a security zone, a physical barrier, intelligence capabilities, technological means, and operational activity by IDF troops." They added that these measures are intended to prevent infiltrations and protect troops and communities. However, they declined to provide further details on the barrier's route or extent for operational security reasons.
Families living on farmland east of Deir al-Balah were given only two days' notice before their area was razed. Satellite images show tank tracks and destroyed structures, including an olive grove more than 500m beyond the Yellow Line. Verified video shows new yellow blocks placed there, with the furthest over 300m from the original Yellow Line. These ongoing actions signal a persistent and expanding Israeli presence within Gaza.