The Israeli military is rapidly constructing an extensive earthen barrier across the Gaza Strip, further entrenching its illegal occupation over more than half of the Palestinian territory as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
Satellite imagery shows that more than 23 kilometres (14 miles) of the barrier have been built in recent months, cutting through Palestinian communities that were demolished during Israel’s genocide.
The structure now stretches across more than half of the 40-kilometre-long coastal enclave, home to more than two million Palestinians.
The Israeli military confirmed it had built a physical barrier along the so-called “yellow line” – the boundary to which Israeli forces withdrew under the October ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
The line was intended under the United States-backed deal as a temporary division pending a fuller Israeli withdrawal.
However, with implementation of the ceasefire stalled, the continued construction has fuelled Palestinian concerns that the temporary military line is becoming a permanent dividing boundary.
The Israeli military said it had also established a “security zone” equipped with intelligence and technological assets along the route to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli troops and nearby Israeli communities. It declined to say how far the barrier would extend.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC indicates construction is progressing rapidly. A section near Rafah expanded from about 500 metres on July 1 to around 2.4 kilometres by July 15.
Israeli forces have destroyed buildings east of the yellow line, including much of Rafah and several other towns, while building new roads and military bases.
Agricultural land has also been destroyed. The Israeli military said it was demolishing infrastructure used by Hamas and was working to mark the boundary more clearly “to reduce friction and prevent harm to uninvolved individuals”.
Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians approaching or crossing the line.
Since the October ceasefire took effect, Israeli air strikes and drone attacks have killed more than 1,100 Palestinians.
