The Israeli military is quietly but rapidly constructing a vast earthen barrier separating the more than half of the Gaza Strip it controls from the rest of the enclave, according to satellite imagery, further entrenching the division of the Palestinian territory.
More than 23 kilometres of the barrier have been built in recent months, cutting through Palestinian communities demolished by the Israeli military. The structure now stretches across more than half of Gaza's 40-kilometre coastline. The enclave is around 11 kilometres wide at its broadest point and is home to more than two million Palestinians.
After reviewing the satellite images, the Israeli military confirmed to the Associated Press that it had built a physical barrier along the so-called "yellow line" — the boundary to which Israeli troops withdrew under the October ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The line was intended under the US-backed deal to serve as a temporary separation pending a broader Israeli withdrawal.
However, with the ceasefire implementation stalled, the barrier appears to signal a more permanent Israeli presence, reinforcing Palestinian concerns that the temporary line could evolve into a de facto border.
Neither US Central Command, which oversees monitoring of the ceasefire, nor the Board of Peace — the body established under US President Donald Trump to oversee Gaza's future administration — commented on the construction.
The Israeli military said it had also established a "security zone" along the line, equipped with intelligence and technological capabilities, to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli troops and nearby communities. It declined to disclose the planned length or final route of the barrier.
Satellite images provided by Planet Labs PBC indicate that construction has accelerated in recent weeks.
In southern Gaza, one section of the barrier expanded by more than two kilometres within two weeks this month. The earthwork measured around 500 metres on 1 July but had extended to roughly 2.4 kilometres by 15 July, separating the Israeli-controlled ruins of Rafah from Muwasi, home to one of Gaza's largest tent camps.
If construction continues at its current pace, the southern section will connect with the barrier's longest uninterrupted stretch, which extends for about 17 kilometres from Khan Younis towards Gaza City.
Work on that section began in February and has continued southwards, with more than one kilometre added between 21 June and 7 July near an Israeli military base built on the ruins of Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis.
Further north, several disconnected berms have also been constructed near the largely destroyed town of Beit Lahia.
The height of the barriers remains unclear, while satellite imagery suggests some sections extend beyond the designated yellow line.
Most of Gaza's population is now confined to the narrow coastal strip west of the yellow line, where many are living in overcrowded tent camps and relying heavily on humanitarian aid.
Satellite images show that Israeli forces have razed much of the territory east of the line, demolishing entire neighbourhoods and flattening towns including Rafah, which was once home to more than 250,000 residents.
The military has also built new roads and bases across the area while destroying farmland. Israel says the demolitions target Hamas infrastructure.
The precise route of the yellow line has never been formally defined in the ceasefire agreement or by Israeli or US authorities. The Israeli military said it was working to mark the boundary more clearly to reduce confusion and prevent civilians from inadvertently entering restricted areas.
Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians approaching or crossing the line. The military says it targets individuals suspected of threatening its troops, although those killed have included children and other civilians. Some Israeli soldiers have reportedly acknowledged uncertainty over who they were firing at, saying they had orders to shoot anyone crossing the boundary.
Since the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli operations have killed more than 1,100 Palestinians, mostly in air and drone strikes across Gaza, according to the report. Israel says it is targeting militants, while militant attacks have killed five Israeli soldiers during the same period.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are eventually expected to withdraw to Gaza's outer perimeter, to be replaced by an international security force. However, implementation has stalled amid disputes over Hamas's disarmament.
A former UN diplomat overseeing the ceasefire process has blamed the impasse on Hamas's refusal to surrender its weapons, while Hamas accuses Israel of repeatedly violating the truce.
The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
Israel's military campaign has since killed more than 73,000 people in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which says women and children account for around half of the fatalities, although it does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.