The Israeli military is rapidly constructing a large earthen barrier that separates over 50% of the Gaza Strip under its control from the remainder of the area, according to satellite imagery, thereby deepening the enclave's division.
Over 23 kilometers (14 miles) have been built in recent months, traversing Palestinian communities that the military has demolished. This length is equivalent to more than half the coastal strip, which measures approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) long and 11 kilometers (7 miles) wide, and hosts over 2 million Palestinians.
When shown the satellite images, Israel's military confirmed to The Associated Press that it has built a physical barrier in the vicinity of the so-called yellow line—the boundary from which Israeli troops withdrew under the October ceasefire deal with Hamas. This line was intended in the U.S.-backed agreement as a temporary division pending a complete Israeli withdrawal.
However, as the truce remains stagnant, Israel appears to be solidifying its position, raising Palestinian concerns that this line is transforming into a permanent border. Neither U.S. Central Command, responsible for monitoring the ceasefire, nor the Board of Peace, the body led by U.S. President Donald Trump intended to eventually oversee Gaza, commented on the barrier.
In addition to the barrier, the military informed AP that it has established a "security zone" around the line, equipped with intelligence and technological assets. It declined to specify the barrier's route when asked about its planned extension length. The military stated the barrier's purpose is to prevent infiltration and safeguard Israeli troops and communities near Gaza.
### Construction of the Barrier Proceeds Swiftly
Since the ceasefire agreement took effect, Palestinians in Gaza have feared Israel would not return the areas it controls. Yet, few seem aware of the berms currently being erected around them due to the danger associated with approaching those zones.
According to satellite images from Planet Labs PBC, a section of the berm network in southern Gaza was extended by more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) within two weeks this month.
The berm measured about 500 meters (0.3 miles) long on July 1. By July 15, it had expanded to approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles), connecting the Israel-controlled ruins of Rafah with Muwasi, a site containing some of the largest Palestinian tent camps.
If construction continues along its current trajectory, this section will link up with the longest stretch of the barrier, which runs nearly uninterrupted for about 17 kilometers (10 miles) from Khan Younis in the south to near Gaza City in the north.
Work began on that northern stretch in February, and satellite images suggest efforts are ongoing to extend it further south. More than a kilometer (0.6 miles) was added between June 21 and July 7, running close to an Israeli military base situated on the ruins of Bani Suheila town, near Khan Younis.
In the far north of Gaza, several disconnected segments of berms are located just outside the largely leveled town of Beit Lahia.
The height of these berms in various locations remains unclear. In some areas, the barriers appear to extend beyond the yellow line.
### Israel Has Mostly Destroyed and Depopulated Controlled Half of Gaza
Gaza's population has been concentrated in the coastal area west of the yellow line, with most residents living in substandard tent camps dependent on aid.
On the opposite side of the line, satellite imagery indicates that Israeli forces have leveled the majority of buildings using bulldozers and explosives, effectively erasing several towns and Rafah, which once housed over a quarter million people.
New road networks have been carved out, and new bases erected on the ruins of Palestinian towns. Agricultural land has also been destroyed. The Israeli military claims it is demolishing infrastructure utilized by Hamas.
The yellow line was never precisely defined, neither in the ceasefire deal nor by Israeli or U.S. officials, and its marking on the ground has been inconsistent. The military told AP that it is working to clearly delineate the route of the yellow line "to reduce friction and prevent harm to uninvolved individuals."
Israeli forces have killed Palestinians who approached or crossed the line. The Israeli military states it fires upon those believed to be militants threatening its troops. However, among those killed are children and other civilians seemingly unaware of the boundary. Some soldiers have reported not always knowing their targets and having orders to engage anyone crossing the border.
### Israeli Strikes Have Killed Hundreds of Palestinians Since Ceasefire
Israeli forces have killed over 1,100 Palestinians since the ceasefire commenced, primarily through airstrikes and drone strikes around Gaza. The Israeli military asserts it is targeting militants. Militant attacks have resulted in five Israeli soldiers' deaths during the same period.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to eventually withdraw its troops further to the outer edges of Gaza, to be replaced by an international security force. However, implementation of this deal has been stalled for several months.
A former U.N. diplomat now coordinating the ceasefire has attributed the delay to Hamas's failure to disarm. Sporadic discussions regarding a formula for decommissioning its weapons have shown little progress, while Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire in return.
The war began following an attack by Hamas-led militants on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 others hostage. Israel responded with a severe military offensive that has resulted in over 73,000 fatalities, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The ministry, which was part of the recently dissolved Hamas-run government, maintains detailed records generally considered reliable by U.N. agencies and international organizations. It does not differentiate between civilians and militants but reports that women and children account for around half of all deaths.