GAZA – The Israeli military is constructing a large earthen barrier deep inside the Gaza Strip, further entrenching its control over vast areas of the enclave and fueling growing Palestinian fears that Israel intends to maintain a long-term military presence and pave the way for future settlement expansion.
Satellite imagery reviewed by multiple media outlets shows that the barrier—consisting of massive earth berms and deep trenches—extends beyond the so-called “Yellow Line,” the temporary military boundary established under the U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.
According to Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, the fortifications extend approximately 400 meters beyond the Yellow Line in Khan Younis, while in parts of Rafah they reach nearly 1.3 kilometers inside Gaza.
The barrier, which has been under construction for several months, already stretches for more than 23 kilometers—over half the length of the Gaza Strip, which spans roughly 40 kilometers from north to south.
Barrier cuts through devastated Palestinian communities
The military fortifications slice through Palestinian towns and neighborhoods that were already devastated during Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, which has left entire communities in ruins.
Large swaths of residential areas, agricultural land, and civilian infrastructure now lie behind the barrier, raising concerns that displaced Palestinians may never be allowed to return to their homes and lands.
In addition to the earthworks, Israeli forces have built new military roads and established army positions on the ruins of destroyed Palestinian communities, further consolidating their presence inside the enclave.
Israeli officials openly discuss settlement plans
Palestinian concerns have been reinforced by statements from senior Israeli officials indicating ambitions to retain parts of Gaza permanently.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently announced plans to establish three Nahal military outposts in northern Gaza, describing them as military entities that would be created in areas seized by Israeli forces.
The remarks have intensified fears that Israel is laying the groundwork for renewed settlement activity and a prolonged occupation of parts of the Strip.
Ceasefire commitments undermined
Under the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, the Yellow Line was intended to serve only as a temporary military demarcation until Israeli forces withdrew to Gaza’s perimeter, with an international force expected to oversee the area.
However, Israel has continued expanding military infrastructure rather than withdrawing, prompting widespread concern that the temporary line is being transformed into a de facto permanent border inside Palestinian territory.
Deadly restrictions on Palestinian movement
Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians approaching or crossing the military line, resulting in the killing of civilians, including children.
While the Israeli military claims it targets individuals it considers threats to its forces, reports have documented cases in which unarmed civilians were shot, including people who appeared unaware of the boundary’s location.
Testimonies from Israeli soldiers have also indicated that troops were instructed to shoot anyone crossing the designated area, despite not always knowing whether those targeted posed any threat.
The continued expansion of Israeli military infrastructure inside Gaza has heightened Palestinian fears that Israel intends to impose new territorial realities on the ground, further fragmenting the enclave and complicating any prospects for the return of displaced residents or the restoration of Palestinian control over the occupied territory.
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