DayofPal—Israeli forces have moved yellow concrete blocks used to mark the so-called “yellow line” deeper into the Gaza Strip at multiple locations, according to investigations supported by satellite imagery.
A review by the BBC’s fact-checking team found that the concrete blocks were initially placed in at least three areas before later being relocated further inside Gaza, effectively changing line that is supposed to define where Israeli troop should be deployed following the ceasefire agreement.
The movement has made the line, which was meant to remain fixed under the US-brokered ceasefire with Hamas, increasingly unclear on the ground, creating confusion and danger for Palestinian civilians.
The agreement stipulated that Israeli forces would withdraw behind a clearly defined line marked on military maps.
Satellite data indicates that Israeli forces relocated yellow blocks at no fewer than 16 sites, including areas of Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Gaza City’s Tuffah neighbourhood.
In Tuffah alone, at least seven blocks were moved between late November and late December, with an average displacement of around 295 metres deeper into Gaza.
The BBC also identified 205 additional ground markers, more than half of which were placed well beyond the line shown on official maps.
As of 11 January, large sections of the line remain unmarked, leaving a nearly 10-kilometre stretch without visible indicators and deepening uncertainty over what the Israeli army describes as a “dangerous combat zone”.
Residents report that the sudden movement of the blocks has placed them inside restricted areas without warning, amid gunfire, troop movements, and drone activity.
Experts say the relocation of the markers appears to be an undeclared method of redrawing control on the ground without formally updating maps.
Since October, at least 69 shooting incidents have been recorded against Palestinians, including cases in which children and civilians were killed near the yellow blocks or in areas previously considered safe.
Satellite images also show Israeli military vehicles and demolition activity beyond the agreed line, followed in some cases by the repositioning of markers and an expansion of destruction.
Analysts warn that these practices may amount to the creation of a de facto “buffer zone” inside Gaza, raising serious legal and human rights concerns over civilian protection and Israel’s obligations under the ceasefire agreement.
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