As part of the ceasefire agreement and in accordance with Israeli political leadership directives, IDF units under have begun marking the "yellow line" in the Gaza Strip.
This line represents the "new" boundary set inside the Gaza Strip, distinct from the perimeter of the former security fence along the "old" border. Its establishment follows political directives issued as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Video: IDF troops mark the yellow line in the Gaza Strip // IDF Spokesperson's Unit
According to the IDF Spokesperson, "The marking is being carried out on concrete barriers topped with a yellow-painted post standing 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) above the ground," adding that concrete barriers are "being placed every 200 meters. The marking operation will continue."
The yellow line demarcates the areas currently under Israeli control, primarily along major routes and open spaces, from those where Hamas has resumed some level of presence and where Gazans have been gradually allowed to return. Due to Israel's ongoing control of key roads, Hamas' authority in areas vacated by Israeli forces remains incomplete.
Following incidents that violated the ceasefire, including a deadly attack in Rafah on Monday, Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to proceed with the yellow line marking and to convey a stern warning to Hamas leadership via the US monitoring mechanism.
"Every Hamas terrorist found beyond the yellow line in territory under Israeli control must evacuate immediately. Hamas leaders will be held accountable for any incident," Katz told IDF officials.
Monday's incident involved terrorists emerging from a tunnel in Rafah and launching an anti-tank missile at a D9 armored bulldozer. The attack killed Maj. Yaniv Kula, a company commander in the Nahal Brigade's 932nd Battalion, and Staff Sgt. Itay Yavetz, a soldier in the elite Erez program.
The yellow line, according to the IDF, aims to reduce friction and improve security coordination amid ongoing tensions. As of now, Israel controls approximately 58% of the Gaza Strip, including all of Rafah in the south, significant portions of Khan Younis, and northern neighborhoods like Beit Lahia and Shujaiyya. Despite these areas being under Israeli control, Hamas forces are still visibly active nearby.
