🔗 Share this article

New findings indicate that Israeli defense forces are exercising control over a larger territory inside the Gaza Strip than previously anticipated under the truce deal.

This Truce Deal and the Yellow Boundary

According to the initial phase of the agreement, Israeli authorities committed to withdraw to a demarcation border extending along the north, southern, and east sides of Gaza. This divide was designated by a distinctive marker on official charts released by the defense forces and has become known as the "Yellow Line."

But, new footage and satellite photographs reveal that markers positioned by Israeli soldiers in several locations to designate the boundary have been set hundreds of meters deeper inside the strip than the expected withdrawal line.

Government Comments and Warnings

Israel's Defence Official Israel Katz—who ordered troops to position the distinctive markers—warned that individuals crossing the line "would be met with fire." There's been already occurred at least several fatal incidents near the boundary zone.

Upon approached, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not address the allegations, stating only that: "Israeli troops under the military command have begun designating the Yellow Line in the Gaza to establish operational understanding on the terrain."

Lack of Clarity and Confusion

There has been a ongoing absence of precision regarding where exactly the boundary will be established, with three separate charts published by the U.S. administration, Donald Trump, and the Israel's military in the run up to the truce agreement that took effect on October 10.

On 14 October, the Israeli military issued the most recent edition marking the demarcation on their digital chart, which is used to convey its stance to residents in Gaza.

North and Southern Gaza

In the north, adjacent to the al-Atatra area, drone video from the IDF revealed that a row of several yellow markers were as much as 520m deeper inside the Strip than was expected from the official charts.

Footage verified depicted workers operating heavy machinery and excavators to move the large distinctive blocks and position them along the coastal al-Rashid road.

A comparable scenario was visible in the south of the Gaza Strip, where a satellite photograph captured on 19 October revealed 10 indicators placed near the city of Khan Younis. The row of blocks ranges from 180m-290m inside the demarcation set out by the Israeli military.

Experts Interpretation

Multiple experts suggested that the blocks were intended to create a "safety area" separating Palestinians and Israeli forces. An expert stated the move would be consistent with a long-term "policy approach" that aims to protect Israel from adjacent areas it does not completely control.

"It gives the Israeli military space to operate and establish a 'kill zone' targeting possible targets," Dr Andreas Krieg commented. "Potential targets can be targeted prior to they approach the IDF boundary. It is a bit like unclaimed territory that does not pertain to anyone—and Israel often to acquire that territory from the opponent's portion rather than its own."

Several experts proposed that the difference between the indicators and the IDF map was an deliberate strategy to alert civilians they are "entering an area of elevated risk."

An analyst said that several blocks "appear to be placed close to roads or barriers, rendering them easier to spot."

Resident Confusion and Events

There is already uncertainty among residents over areas where it is safe to go.

Abdel Qader Ayman Bakr who lives near the interim demarcation in the east section of Gaza City's Shejaiya district stated that, notwithstanding promises from Israeli authorities of clear markings, he had observed none put in place.

"Each day, we can see Israeli military equipment and personnel at a relatively close distance, but we have no way of knowing whether we are in what is considered a 'safe zone' or 'a hazardous location'," he said. "We are constantly exposed to risk, particularly as we are forced to stay here since this is where our residence previously stood."

Since the ceasefire was implemented, the IDF has documented a number of instances of individuals approaching the Yellow Line. On all occasions the military stated it fired upon those present.

Video acquired and verified showed the consequences of a event on 17 October, which the local Civil Defence agency said resulted in the deaths of eleven civilians—including females and minors reportedly reportedly from the same family. The authority stated the Palestinians' vehicle was attacked by Israeli forces following crossing the Yellow Line to the east of Gaza City in the Zeitoun neighbourhood.

The video displayed emergency workers examining the burnt out remains of a vehicle and covering a adjacent severely damaged body of a minor with a white cloth. Geolocation located the footage to a location around 125m over the demarcation indicated on maps by the Israeli military.

The IDF stated alert rounds were discharged at a "suspicious vehicle" that had crossed the boundary. The announcement noted after the vehicle failed to halt, troops engaged "to remove the threat."

Legal Standing and Responsibilities

Meanwhile, the legal standing of the boundary has also been questioned.

"Israel's obligations under the law of armed conflict cannot cease even for those breaching the demarcation," commented a legal expert. "It can only target hostile combatants or those actively involved in hostilities, and in so doing it must not cause excessive non-combatant harm."

In a statement, an Israel's military representative stated: "Israeli troops under the Southern Command persist to function to remove every threat to the troops and to protect the residents of the State of the country."

The spokesperson added that the concrete markers are "being placed each 200 metres."

Background and Fatalities

Israeli authorities initiated a defense operation in the Gaza Strip