DaysofPal – Satellite images show the Israeli occupation forces constructing a massive earthen barrier deep inside the Gaza Strip, reinforcing concerns among Palestinians that Israel intends to maintain long-term control over large parts of the enclave.
The barrier, consisting of an earth berm and trench, extends well beyond the so-called “yellow line” established under the U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement signed in October 2025, according to a report published Wednesday by Haaretz.
The newspaper reported that near Khan Younis, the barrier stretches about 400 meters beyond the designated line, while in parts of Rafah it extends approximately 1,300 meters past it.
Construction has been going on for a few months, and the barrier is already more than 23 kilometers (14 miles) long, according to the Associated Press. Gaza itself is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) long.
The structure cuts through areas where homes, civilian infrastructure, and farmland were devastated during Israel’s war on Gaza that began in 2023. More than half of the territory is currently under Israeli military control.
In addition to the barrier, Israel has built new roads and established military bases on the ruins of Palestinian communities, deepening concerns among residents that they may never be allowed to return to their land.
Those fears have been reinforced by statements from Israeli officials. Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told Channel 14 that he intended to establish three Nahal outposts, military settlements, in northern Gaza.
“I intend to establish three Nahal outposts, which are also military entities, in those places that were in northern Gaza,” Katz said.
On Sunday, thousands of Israelis, including settlers and right-wing activists, marched toward the Gaza border, calling on the government to re-establish Israeli settlements inside the territory.
“We are walking today to tell the government of Israel and show all the world that this land belongs to us and that Gaza really belongs to us and that we want to go back there,” march participant Daniel Sellem said.
West of the yellow line, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are still confined to cramped tent camps where they must contend with Israeli airstrikes and acute shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities.
Responding to questions from the Associated Press about the satellite images, the Israeli military confirmed it was constructing a physical barrier along the area of the yellow line.
Under the ceasefire agreement, the yellow line was intended to serve as a temporary military demarcation until Israeli forces withdrew to Gaza’s perimeter, after which an international force was expected to assume responsibility for the area.
However, Palestinians say Israel has largely disregarded the terms of the ceasefire and appears to be entrenching its military presence, raising fears that the temporary line is becoming a permanent border.
Israeli occupation forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians who approached or crossed the yellow line. While the military says it targets individuals it believes pose a threat to its troops, those killed have included children and other civilians who appeared unaware of the boundary.
Some Israeli soldiers have also told media outlets that they were instructed to fire on anyone crossing the line, even when they could not determine whether the individuals were armed.
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