Israel Expands Control in Gaza: The Mysterious Movement of the Yellow Line

Fri Jan 16 2026 14:59:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent satellite images reveal that Israel has repositioned the Yellow Line deeper into Gaza, raising concerns among the Palestinian population and violating ceasefire agreements.

Israel has adjusted the Yellow Line deeper into Gaza after a ceasefire, ostensibly to delineate its control zone. This move has led to confusion and fear among the local population, as satellite images show multiple instances of these blocks being moved further into the territory, often amidst incidents of violence. Experts suggest these actions signify territorial engineering, raising concerns about the implications for Gazan residents and the ongoing conflict.

Israel has moved the blocks which are supposed to mark its post-ceasefire line of control deeper into Gaza in several places, sowing confusion among Palestinians.

Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show that in at least three areas Israel placed blocks, before returning later and moving the positions further into the Strip.

Under the terms of the US-brokered deal with Hamas, Israel agreed to withdraw troops beyond a line marked in yellow on Israeli military maps, which it has illustrated on the ground with concrete yellow blocks.

Defence Minister Israel Katz warned in October that anyone crossing the Yellow Line would be met with fire.

Since these comments were made, there have been a series of deadly incidents around the line.

In Beit Lahia, Jabalia and al-Tuffah, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) placed blocks and later returned to move them deeper inside Gaza. In total, 16 positions were moved.

In the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, satellite images show that IDF troops moved at least seven already placed blocks between 27 November and 25 December. The position of the markers were moved on average 295m (968ft) deeper inside the Strip.

As well as the blocks that have been moved, BBC Verify mapped 205 other markers. More than half of those have been placed significantly deeper inside the Strip than the line marked on maps.

An IDF spokesperson said it rejected all claims that the Yellow Line has been moved or its crossing by IDF troops. The IDF is operating to visually mark the Yellow Line in accordance with the conditions on the ground and the ongoing operational situational assessment, they added.

Last month, a 23-year-old man near Khan Younis said Israeli troops suddenly moved blocks near him beyond the mapped line, leaving him trapped.

Prof Andreas Krieg, a Middle East security expert from King's College London, has called the movement of the blocks a tool for territorial engineering.

As tensions continue to rise, the IDF's strategic maneuvers underline the complexities and dangers in the conflict, drawing universally anxious reactions from the affected population.