August M
Israel now controls roughly 60% of the Gaza Strip, according to statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and multiple independent analyses, despite earlier ceasefire arrangements that envisioned a gradual Israeli withdrawal.
The expansion of Israeli-controlled territory has intensified pressure on Gaza’s civilian population and raised new questions about the future of the stalled peace process, reports DR News.
Territory expands
During a ceremony in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently control 60% of Gaza.
“Today we control 60 percent,” the Israeli prime minister stated while discussing the military campaign.
Following the ceasefire agreement brokered in late 2025, a so-called “Yellow Line” was established to separate Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza.
The arrangement was originally described as temporary, with Israeli forces expected to reduce their presence over time.
However, reports from groups including Forensic Architecture indicate the controlled zone has steadily expanded in recent months.
Militarized zone
According to DR News, the Israeli military has reinforced the area with new outposts, infrastructure projects, and expanded security positions.
Satellite image analysis cited by Israeli newspaper Haaretz reportedly shows increased military construction along the dividing line.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said troop deployments remain consistent with ceasefire arrangements and operational requirements.
“IDF forces under the Southern Command are stationed in the area of the Yellow Line in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, guidelines from the political leadership and the operational situation assessment,” the military said in a statement to DR.
Aid workers and Palestinian residents say the boundaries frequently shift, often without clear public notice.
Humanitarian pressure
Humanitarian organizations warn that the expansion is further restricting movement and increasing risks for civilians already displaced by the conflict.
The Danish Refugee Council’s advocacy coordinator in the occupied Palestinian territories, Louise Le Bret, said residents sometimes wake up to find the boundary moved overnight.
“There have been situations where Palestinians were killed when they approached the yellow line,” she said.
According to UN figures cited by DR, hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began, including many near the militarized zone.
UNRWA also stated that additional aid facilities and shelters now fall inside restricted areas requiring Israeli approval for access.
Political tensions
Some Israeli settler groups are reportedly advocating for civilian settlements inside the expanded controlled zone.
Defense Minister Israel Katz previously suggested Israel would maintain a long-term presence in Gaza and potentially convert military positions into future civilian outposts.
At the same time, negotiations tied to the broader ceasefire framework remain stalled over disagreements involving Hamas disarmament and continued Israeli military operations.
There has been no official response from Donald Trump’s peace team regarding the gradual expansion of the Yellow Line.
Sources: DR News, Haaretz, UNRWA, Forensic Architecture
