CAIRO—Israeli forces are constructing a large earthen barrier across the Gaza Strip that separates areas under Israeli military control from the rest of the enclave, a project confirmed by the Israeli military and documented through recent satellite imagery, as concerns grow that the division could become more permanent amid stalled ceasefire implementation.
Satellite images reviewed by independent news organizations show that more than 23 kilometers (14 miles) of the barrier have been built in recent months, extending through areas where Palestinian communities were previously demolished. The structure follows the so-called "yellow line," the boundary to which Israeli forces withdrew under the terms of a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.
The Israeli military said it has built a physical barrier along the line, describing the measure as part of security efforts to prevent infiltration and protect troops operating in the territory. Israeli authorities have said demolitions and engineering works in the area target infrastructure used by Hamas.
Palestinian residents and aid organizations say the construction has further restricted movement and reinforced the separation of communities already displaced by months of conflict. Witnesses have reported that the barrier, together with military activity nearby, has affected tent encampments housing displaced civilians in southern Gaza. Reuters could not independently verify all accounts from residents.
The ceasefire envisioned the yellow line as a temporary arrangement pending a broader Israeli withdrawal and further political and security agreements. However, implementation of later phases has stalled, with negotiations over Hamas' disarmament and longer-term governance making little visible progress. Israeli officials have cited security concerns, while Hamas has accused Israel of violating the agreement. Those competing claims remain disputed.
Satellite imagery also shows extensive demolition of buildings, new military positions and road networks in areas west and east of the barrier. Large parts of Gaza's population remain concentrated in coastal areas, where humanitarian agencies continue to warn of difficult living conditions and heavy dependence on aid deliveries.
The war began after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which Israeli authorities say killed about 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign has caused widespread destruction across Gaza. Casualty figures reported by Gaza's Health Ministry cannot be independently verified and do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Israeli authorities have not announced any change in the barrier's status or indicated whether construction is nearing completion. Negotiations over the ceasefire and Gaza's future remain unresolved.
