🔗 Share this article

New evidence suggest that Israeli defense forces are maintaining authority over more area within Gaza than initially anticipated under the truce agreement.

The Ceasefire Deal and the Yellow Line

According to the initial phase of the deal, Israel agreed to withdraw to a boundary border running along the north, southern, and eastern edges of Gaza. This boundary was marked by a distinctive line on maps published by the military and has become known as the "Demarcation Line."

However, recent footage and aerial images show that indicators positioned by Israel's troops in several areas to mark the boundary have been placed hundreds of meters deeper within the territory than the expected pullback boundary.

Official Statements and Warnings

Israeli Defence Minister the defense minister—which instructed soldiers to position the distinctive blocks—warned that anyone approaching the line "will be confronted with gunfire." There have already occurred at least two deadly incidents close to the demarcation zone.

When contacted, the Israeli military failed to respond to the claims, stating simply that: "IDF forces under the Southern Command have started designating the demarcation in the Gaza Strip to create tactical understanding on the terrain."

Absence of Precision and Uncertainty

There has existed a ongoing absence of clarity about the exact location precisely the boundary will be established, with multiple different maps posted by the White House, former U.S. President, and the Israeli defense forces in the run up to the truce agreement that took effect on 10 October.

As of 14 October, the Israeli military released the latest edition marking the demarcation on their online map, which is used to convey its position to residents in the Gaza Strip.

Northern and Southern Areas

Near the northern sector, close to the al-Atatra area, aerial footage from the Israeli military showed that a line of several yellow blocks were as much as 520m deeper inside the Strip than would have been anticipated from the IDF maps.

Video verified depicted workers using heavy machinery and diggers to relocate the heavy distinctive blocks and place them along the seaside al-Rashid route.

A similar situation was observed in the south of Gaza, where a aerial image taken on October 19 revealed ten markers placed close to the city of Khan Younis. The row of blocks extends from 180 meters-290m within the Yellow Line set out by the Israeli military.

Experts Analysis

Multiple analysts suggested that the markers were designed to establish a "safety area" separating local residents and Israeli personnel. One expert said the action would be in line with a ongoing "policy approach" that aims to protect the state from nearby territories it does not fully administer.

"This gives the Israeli military space to operate and establish a 'engagement area' against potential threats," Dr Andreas Krieg said. "Possible targets can be engaged before they reach the military perimeter. It is a bit like unclaimed territory that does not belong to anyone—and Israeli authorities tends to take that territory from the opponent's portion not its own."

Three analysts proposed that the disparity between the markers and the IDF chart was an deliberate design to warn residents they are "entering an area of elevated risk."

An analyst said that some markers "appear to be placed close to roads or barriers, rendering them easier to identify."

Civilian Uncertainty and Incidents

There is already confusion among residents over areas where it is safe to travel.

Abdel Qader Ayman Bakr who resides near the temporary boundary in the eastern part of Gaza City Shejaiya district said that, despite assurances from Israeli authorities of clear indicators, he had observed none installed.

"Each day, we can observe Israel's army vehicles and soldiers at a fairly nearby range, 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, especially as we are compelled to stay here because this is where our residence previously stood."

Since the truce came into effect, the IDF has reported a series of cases of people crossing the Yellow Line. On each instances the military said it fired upon those present.

Video obtained and verified showed the consequences of a event on 17 October, which the Hamas-run emergency agency claimed killed eleven civilians—comprising women and children all reportedly from the same family. The authority stated the Palestinians' car was attacked by Israel after crossing the demarcation to the east of Gaza City in the Zeitoun neighbourhood.

The video showed rescue workers examining the destroyed remains of a vehicle and covering a nearby badly-mangled body of a child with a light-colored sheet. Geolocation placed the video to a spot approximately 125 meters beyond the demarcation marked on charts by the Israeli military.

The IDF said warning shots were fired towards a "suspicious car" that had breached the boundary. The statement noted after the vehicle did not to stop, soldiers engaged "to eliminate the danger."

Legal Standing and Responsibilities

Meanwhile, the legal standing of the boundary has likewise been challenged.

"Israel's responsibilities under the regulations of hostilities cannot cease even for those breaching the Yellow Line," said Dr Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne. "It can only engage hostile fighters or those actively involved in conflict, and in so doing it must not cause excessive non-combatant casualties."

In a statement, an Israeli defense representative said: "Israeli forces under the military command continue to operate to eliminate any threat to the personnel and to defend the residents of the nation of Israel."

They added that the concrete blocks are "positioned each 200 meters."

Background and Casualties

Israel initiated a military operation in the Gaza Strip