Israel builds 42km land barriers in Gaza, displacing families

The Israeli military has constructed a network of earthen barriers stretching more than 42 kilometers across the Gaza Strip since an October ceasefire, shifting de facto demarcation lines westwards and displacing local families as Hamas announces the dissolution of its de facto government.

Barrier Construction and Displacement in Gaza

Palestinian families living in the al-Tuffah neighborhood of northern Gaza woke to find that yellow concrete blocks marking the demarcation boundary had been moved westwards into the center of Salah al-Din road, a key north-south route. Nearby, an Israeli flag was flying on top of a three-meter earth barrier reported by the BBC. Umm Mohammed al-Shawish described the ongoing displacement, saying We’ve been displaced from place to place, and now we have nowhere left to go.

The barriers now stretch more than 42 kilometers and cover 85% of the Yellow Line established under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas last October, with the longest section measuring 13.8 kilometers.

Ceasefire Boundaries and Territorial Control

Under the terms of the October ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces withdrew to a designated demarcation known as the Yellow Line, leaving Israel in temporary control of roughly 53% of Gaza’s territory. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israel Defense Forces controlled more than 60%, and expressed a directive in May to move toward 70% noted in BBC coverage. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire by pushing the boundary westwards, while a senior Israeli government official rejected the claims outright.

Israel Has Been Silently Building Barriers in Gaza

“IDF deployments and security lines are operational measures taken to protect Israeli citizens and prevent Hamas from rebuilding its terror army. Israel will continue to act against any ceasefire violations.”

Senior Israeli government official, via BBC

The military told the Associated Press that the physical barrier and an accompanying security zone equipped with intelligence and technological assets aim to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli troops and nearby communities. Security experts indicate the extensive earthworks suggest preparations for a long-term occupation, effectively shifting the de facto border deeper into Gaza.

Hamas Dissolves Government Amid Stalled Peace Plan

Amid the territorial divisions on the ground, Hamas announced that it dissolved its de facto government in Gaza and was prepared to hand over administrative duties to a group of Palestinian technocrats reported Reuters. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas government media office, stated during a press conference in Gaza City that the head of the Government Emergency Committee had resigned and the oversight body was dissolved as a demonstration of the seriousness of these measures, in implementation of the agreed arrangements, and to facilitate the administrative transition process.

A general view of the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive and tents sheltering displaced — Photo: reuters.com

The move aligns with a U.S.-backed plan for a civilian-ruled, post-war Gaza overseen by the Trump-appointed Board of Peace. Ali Shaath, head of the proposed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, stated that his 15-member committee was ready to assume responsibilities once necessary resources and enabling conditions are established according to Reuters. Shaath emphasized that fundamental requirements include one authority and one law under a clear reference framework, and one weapon subject to that authority.

Political Dismissals and Ongoing Casualties

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the announcement as a political maneuver, posting on X that the group’s willingness to make room for a technocratic government is designed to prevent its own disarmament. The Trump-appointed Board of Peace noted the development while emphasizing that its assessment would be guided by actions rather than promises.

A young boy looks at a yellow block placed among rubble in Gaza. In the background an earth barrier is shown next to a — Photo: bbc.co.uk

Meanwhile, military strikes and armed clashes continue across the enclave. Medics and health officials reported that recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis killed multiple civilians, including an early Tuesday strike that killed Firas al-Masri, his wife, and their four children according to Shifa Hospital records cited by the Associated Press. The Israeli military stated that its operations target Hamas militants and infrastructure in the area.

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