Israeli military forces have continued to expand their network of earth barriers and demarcation markers into the Gaza Strip, encroaching deeper into Palestinian territory. According to a BBC report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently stated that his directive is to increase control over 70% of the territory, with Israel currently controlling around 60%.
The expansion of the barrier system has resulted in significant displacement of Palestinian families and concerns about prolonged occupation. Satellite images show land cleared, olive groves razed, buildings demolished beyond the Yellow Line, while troops have forced families from tent camps into ever-shrinking safe zones.
Under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas last October, Israeli forces agreed to withdraw to a designated demarcation known as the Yellow Line. However, this has not been fully respected, with Israeli PM Netanyahu stating that his military controlled over 60% of the territory. In May, he announced plans to increase control to 70%, which is now being implemented.
The IDF described its posture as a defensive measure involving physical barriers and intelligence capabilities to prevent infiltrations. However, physical evidence demonstrates encroachment beyond agreed boundaries. The longest section of the barrier spans over 13.8 kilometers, extending significantly beyond the originally mapped line in several areas, including near the al-Mawasi camp and Khan Younis.
For displaced Palestinians, the shifting markers have prompted renewed evacuations. In the al-Tuffah neighborhood of northern Gaza, residents found yellow concrete blocks moved westward into the center of Salah al-Din road, with an Israeli flag hoisted atop a three-metre earth barrier nearby. Similar displacement occurred east of Gaza City in the Zeitoun area on July 18.
According to UN-OCHA, roughly 30 families lost their shelters during the evacuation. Residents reported shooting from military vehicles, drone activity and shelling as heavy machinery built a new base and earth banks east of the neighborhood. Satellite imagery and verified video analyzed by BBC News show land cleared, olive groves torn down and scores of buildings demolished beyond the Yellow Line in several areas.
The changes have further restricted an already displaced population of over two million people. Abu Kamel Hamami, a displaced resident of Gaza City, told BBC News that “the Yellow Line keeps moving day by day.” The situation remains dire for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, with concerns about continued displacement and human rights abuses growing.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
