Cairo, July 22: Israel has accelerated construction of a vast earthen barrier stretching across large sections of the Gaza Strip under its military control, according to newly examined satellite imagery, signalling what observers fear could become a more permanent separation within the war ravaged Palestinian territory.
The embankment now extends for more than 23 kilometres through areas that have largely been flattened during the conflict. The structure covers over half the length of the narrow coastal enclave, which spans roughly 40 kilometres from north to south and is home to more than two million Palestinians.
After reviewing the satellite images, the Israeli military acknowledged the construction, saying the barrier is being erected along the area known as the “yellow line” the boundary where Israeli troops repositioned under the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas in October. Israeli officials described the installation as part of broader security measures intended to prevent infiltration, protect military personnel and safeguard nearby Israeli communities.
The military said it has also established a fortified security zone equipped with surveillance and intelligence systems but declined to specify the barrier’s final route or whether additional sections would be built.
The project has sparked concern because the yellow line was originally conceived as a temporary military boundary pending a phased Israeli withdrawal under the ceasefire arrangement. With negotiations on the truce making little headway, Palestinians fear the expanding earthworks could eventually solidify into a lasting frontier dividing Gaza.
Neither the US Central Command, which has been tasked with monitoring aspects of the ceasefire, nor the US-backed body expected to oversee Gaza’s future administration commented on the construction.
Satellite images indicate the barrier has expanded rapidly in recent months. In southern Gaza, one section reportedly grew from approximately 500 metres to about 2.4 kilometres between July 1 and July 15, cutting across the area between Rafah and Al-Mawasi, where thousands of displaced Palestinians remain in tent camps.
Another major stretch, extending nearly 17 kilometres from the vicinity of Khan Younis toward Gaza City, has continued to grow since construction began earlier this year. Imagery also suggests new extensions have been added close to Israeli military installations established in the ruins of former Palestinian towns.
Smaller disconnected sections have also appeared in northern Gaza near Beit Lahia. In some locations, the embankments appear to extend beyond the previously recognised alignment of the yellow line, though the exact height and full scope of the structures remain unclear.
Much of the territory east of the barrier has been extensively damaged during Israel’s military campaign. Entire neighbourhoods, including large portions of Rafah and surrounding communities, have been reduced to rubble, while new military roads and bases have been established across the area. Israel maintains that the demolitions are aimed at eliminating Hamas infrastructure and strengthening security operations.
Meanwhile, the majority of Gaza’s civilian population has been concentrated in overcrowded coastal areas west of the security line, where many continue to rely on humanitarian assistance while living in makeshift shelters.
The Israeli military also said it is working to clearly identify the boundary to reduce accidental crossings after multiple incidents in which Palestinians approaching the area have been shot. Israeli officials maintain that troops engage only individuals considered a threat, while rights groups and witnesses have reported civilian casualties, including children.
Violence has continued despite the ceasefire framework. Palestinian health authorities say more than 1,100 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the truce came into effect, while militant attacks have claimed the lives of five Israeli soldiers during the same period.
On Tuesday, an Israeli strike in Gaza City killed a family of six, according to hospital officials. Israel said it had targeted Hamas operatives operating in the area but did not comment on the reported civilian deaths.
The ceasefire agreement envisioned a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s interior, eventually replacing them with an international security presence. However, implementation has remained stalled as negotiations over Hamas’ disarmament and broader security arrangements continue without a breakthrough.
The conflict began after Hamas-led militants carried out the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has caused widespread destruction across Gaza and resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, whose casualty figures are regularly cited by the United Nations and international humanitarian organisations, though Israel disputes aspects of the data.