Israeli forces have begun establishing a new reality in the Gaza Strip by building a massive earth barrier that divides more than half of the territory, particularly in the south, from the remaining areas.
The Israeli military is building the barrier “quietly but rapidly,” according to satellite images. More than 23 kilometers of the earth barrier have been constructed in recent months, cutting through areas of the Gaza Strip that were destroyed by Israeli forces.
The length of the barrier exceeds half the coastline of the Gaza Strip, which stretches about 40 kilometers and is around 11 kilometers wide, with a population of more than two million Palestinians.
Part of the earth barrier network in southern Gaza extended by more than two kilometers in two weeks
After being shown satellite images, the Israeli military confirmed that it had built a “physical barrier” in the area known as the “Yellow Line.” The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is tasked with monitoring the ceasefire in Gaza, and the Peace Council, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, did not comment on the construction of the earth barrier.
Since the signing of the Gaza ceasefire agreement in October 2025, Palestinians in the Strip have feared that Israel would not withdraw from the areas it occupies. However, few appear to be aware of the ongoing construction of barriers around them, due to Israeli forces targeting those who approach the “Yellow Line.”
Extension of the earth barrier in southern Gaza
A section of the earth barrier network in southern Gaza was extended by more than two kilometers within two weeks, based on satellite images captured by Planet Labs.
The barrier measured around 500 meters on July 1, but by July 15 it had extended to 2.4 kilometers, running between the ruins of the city of Rafah, which is under Israeli occupation, and the Al-Mawasi area located between Khan Younis and Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military said that if construction continues in its current direction, the earth barrier will connect with the longest section, which stretches uninterrupted for about 17 kilometers from southern Khan Younis to near Gaza City in the north.
Construction of this section began in February, and satellite images indicate that efforts to extend it southward are continuing.
More than one kilometer was added between June 21 and July 7 near an Israeli military base built on the ruins of the town of Bani Suheila, near Khan Younis.
In northern Gaza, several disconnected barrier lines extend outside the largely destroyed town of Beit Lahia. The height of the barriers remains unclear in some areas, with some sections appearing to run beyond the “Yellow Line.”
Gathering Gaza’s population west of the “Yellow Line”
Israeli forces have worked to confine Gaza’s population to the coastal area west of the “Yellow Line,” where most residents live in tent camps following the destruction of infrastructure by Israeli forces.
On the other side, satellite images show that Israeli forces have destroyed the vast majority of buildings using bulldozers and explosives, wiping out several cities, including Rafah, which was home to more than a quarter of a million people.
Israeli forces have built road networks and established new military bases on the ruins of Palestinian cities, while also destroying agricultural land.
Satellite images show that Israeli forces have built bases on the ruins of Palestinian cities.
The route of the “Yellow Line” has not been clearly defined, either in the ceasefire agreement or by Israeli and U.S. officials.
The Israeli military said it was working to clearly define the route of the “Yellow Line” in order “to reduce friction and prevent harm to uninvolved individuals.”
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel is expected to withdraw its forces to the outskirts of Gaza and be replaced by an international security force. However, Israel has set conditions for implementing this step, including the disarmament of Palestinian armed groups.
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