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 deal, Israel agreed to retreat to a boundary running along the north, south, and east of Gaza, marked by a yellow line. However, new videos and satellite images show that Israeli troops have positioned markers hundreds of metres deeper inside the Strip than the expected withdrawal line.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that anyone crossing the line 'will be met with fire,' leading to at least two deadly incidents near this boundary. The IDF did not address these allegations when approached.
Footage geolocated by BBC Verify showed Israeli personnel moving heavy yellow blocks further into Gaza, indicating a shift in control. Analysts suggest this creates a 'buffer zone' that allows the IDF greater tactical maneuverability, but raises questions about civilian safety and uncertainty regarding 'safe zones.'
Residents near the boundary express fear and confusion. One local reported seeing Israeli military vehicles close by with no clear markers indicating safe areas. Since the ceasefire began, the IDF has reported multiple incidents of violence against those crossing the Yellow Line, including the targeting of a vehicle that allegedly resulted in civilian casualties.
With tensions heightening, the Israeli military maintains that they are acting to defend their territory in the aftermath of the conflict initiated by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, while many Palestinians remain caught in dangerous, unclear circumstances.
