The Israeli military has established control over larger areas of Gaza than anticipated following the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, according to an analysis by BBC Verify. Initial terms promised a withdrawal to a designated boundary indicated by a yellow line, referred to as the 'Yellow Line'. However, recent satellite imagery and video evidence show that these markers have been placed hundreds of meters deeper into Gaza than expected.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that any violation of this line will be met with force, following several incidents resulting in casualties near the boundary. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) provided limited comment on these claims, asserting that they are marking the Yellow Line for operational clarity.
There has been persistent uncertainty regarding the true boundaries, with various official maps reflecting inconsistent locations for the designated lines.
In northern Gaza, drone footage indicated that markers have been positioned as much as 520 meters further in, while similar scenarios unfolded around Khan Younis in the south. If these placements are representative of the entire boundary line, Israel's control may extend significantly beyond what was initially agreed upon.
Experts speculate that this strategy may create a buffer zone, allowing Israeli forces to engage potential threats more efficiently. The positioning of these markers aims to inform civilians about risky areas, although many local residents express confusion over where safe zones are actually located.
The situation remains tense as multiple instances of civilians crossing the newly imposed boundaries have been reported, leading to deadly consequences, prompting calls for clarity amid ongoing fears of violence. While Israel continues its military operations, the humanitarian consequences in Gaza grow, raising urgent concerns about the legal implications of such actions under international law.
