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Recent evidence indicate that Israeli defense forces are exercising authority over a larger territory inside Gaza than previously expected under the truce deal.

The Truce Deal and the Demarcation Line

Under the first phase of the deal, Israel agreed to retreat to a boundary line extending along the northern, southern, and east edges of the Gaza Strip. This boundary was designated by a yellow marker on maps released by the military and has become referred to as the "Yellow Line."

However, recent videos and aerial photographs show that indicators placed by Israeli troops in several areas to mark the divide have been set several hundreds of meters further within the territory than the anticipated withdrawal boundary.

Government Comments and Advisories

Israel's Defense Official Israel Katz—who ordered soldiers to place the distinctive markers—warned that anyone crossing the boundary "would be confronted with gunfire." There's been already occurred at least two fatal events close to the boundary zone.

When contacted, the Israeli military failed to respond to the allegations, saying only that: "IDF forces under the military command have begun designating the Yellow Line in the Gaza to create operational clarity on the terrain."

Lack of Precision and Uncertainty

There has been a ongoing absence of clarity about where precisely the demarcation will be imposed, with three separate maps posted by the U.S. administration, Donald Trump, and the Israeli military in the lead-up to the truce agreement that took effect on October 10.

On 14 October, the Israeli military released the latest edition showing the demarcation on their digital chart, which is used to communicate its position to residents in Gaza.

North and South Gaza

Near the northern sector, adjacent to the al-Atatra area, aerial footage from the Israeli military showed that a line of several distinctive markers were as much as 520m further inside the Strip than would have been expected from the official charts.

Video verified showed personnel operating bulldozers and diggers to move the heavy distinctive blocks and position them along the seaside al-Rashid road.

A similar scenario was observed in the south of the Gaza Strip, where a satellite photograph captured on 19 October showed 10 markers placed close to the urban area of Khan Younis. The line of markers extends from 180 meters-290m inside the demarcation set out by the Israeli military.

Experts Interpretation

Multiple analysts suggested that the blocks were intended to establish a "buffer zone" separating Palestinians and IDF forces. One expert said the move would be consistent with a ongoing "policy approach" that seeks to insulate Israel from nearby territories it doesn't fully administer.

"This gives the Israeli military room to operate and create a 'engagement area' against potential threats," Dr Andreas Krieg said. "Possible threats can be targeted prior to they approach the IDF boundary. It is a bit like unclaimed territory that does not pertain to either side—and Israeli authorities often to take that land from the adversary's chunk not its territory."

Several analysts suggested that the difference separating the indicators and the official map was an intentional design to alert residents they are "entering an zone of increased danger."

An analyst said that some markers "appear to be positioned near roads or barriers, rendering them easier to identify."

Resident Confusion and Events

There is already confusion within Gazans over locations where it is secure to go.

A resident who lives close to the interim boundary in the east section of Gaza City's Shejaiya neighbourhood said that, notwithstanding promises from Israeli authorities of clear indicators, he had observed no such markers put in place.

"Daily, we can observe Israel's army vehicles and personnel at a fairly close range, yet we have no means of knowing whether we are in what is deemed a 'safe zone' or 'a hazardous location'," he explained. "We're constantly exposed to danger, particularly as we are compelled to remain in this location since this is where our home once existed."

After the truce came into effect, the Israeli military has documented a number of instances of individuals approaching the Yellow Line. On all occasions the IDF said it engaged those involved.

Footage obtained and geolocated depicted the aftermath of one event on October 17, which the local emergency agency claimed killed eleven civilians—comprising females and minors all allegedly from the same family. The agency said the Palestinians' car was attacked by Israeli forces after approaching the demarcation to the east of the city in the Zeitoun area.

The video showed emergency personnel inspecting the destroyed remains of a vehicle and covering a adjacent severely damaged remains of a child with a white sheet. Verification placed the video to a spot approximately 125m over the demarcation indicated on maps by the IDF.

The IDF stated warning rounds were discharged towards a "suspect vehicle" that had crossed the line. The statement added when the vehicle did not to halt, troops opened fire "to eliminate the danger."

Legal Status and Obligations

At the same time, the juridical standing of the boundary has likewise been challenged.

"The state's obligations under the law of armed conflict do not end even for those breaching the Yellow Line," commented a legal expert. "The military can only target enemy fighters or those directly participating in conflict, and in so doing it has to not cause excessive non-combatant harm."

In a statement, an Israeli military spokesperson stated: "Israeli forces under the Southern Command persist to function to eliminate any threat to the personnel and to defend the civilians of the State of the country."

The spokesperson added that the concrete markers are "being placed each 200 metres."

Background and Casualties

Israel launched a defense operation in Gaza