The Israeli military is exerting control over more of Gaza than expected from the ceasefire deal with Hamas, a BBC Verify analysis has found.
Under the first stage of the ceasefire agreement, Israel agreed to retreat to a boundary around Gaza, denoted as the Yellow Line. However, new videos and satellite images reveal that Israeli troops have placed boundary markers significantly deeper into the territory than the previously established line.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned that anyone crossing this line will be met with fire, and there have already been reported incidents near this boundary resulting in casualties.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not responded directly to allegations of overstepping the agreed boundary, merely stating that they are marking the Yellow Line for tactical clarity.
Questions have arisen regarding the clarity of the boundary, as multiple maps released leading up to the ceasefire displayed differing positions of the boundary line.
Drone footage indicated that markers in northern Gaza were placed up to 520 meters deeper into the strip than anticipated, while southern Gaza showed similar discrepancies of 180 to 290 meters.
Analysts suggest that the placements of these blocks may be intended to create a buffer zone between Israeli forces and Palestinian civilians, potentially allowing the IDF greater operational flexibility.
Reports of confusion among Gaza residents indicate a lack of clear demarcation, leading to fears of accidental transgressions of the new boundary that could lead to armed conflict.
The legal ramifications raise significant concerns as well, with experts emphasizing that international law still applies and that civilian harm must be minimized, even in circumstances where individuals breach the designated Yellow Line.
Since the ceasefire commenced, the ecology of violence has persisted with several reported incidents of the IDF firing upon individuals crossing the line, leading to tragic civilian casualties.
The situation remains fluid and complex, with ongoing implications for safety and military engagements in this critically sensitive region.
