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Israeli soldiers described a chaotic and deadly environment in Gaza following a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October, with troops allegedly killing Palestinians who crossed or approached the Israeli-controlled "yellow line."

One reservist, in his 20s, told The Associated Press that scenes of celebration among soldiers after striking vehicles carrying Palestinians became common. He described the situation as a "jungle" where the order was to shoot anyone crossing the line. This account, along with others from three soldiers who spoke anonymously, suggests a lack of clarity regarding the rules of engagement around this demarcation.

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It was a jungle. After the ceasefire, the order was: If someone crosses the line, you shoot them.

The soldiers expressed confusion and a sense of disillusionment, stating that while some commanders publicly acknowledged the ceasefire, they privately wished for the conflict to continue. One soldier noted that troops sometimes acted too quickly to identify targets, leading to concerns about mistaken shootings, a sentiment echoed by a whistleblower group of veterans.

The "yellow line" was intended to mark a buffer zone where Israeli forces withdrew, giving them control of just over half the strip. However, the line's location has been ambiguous, sometimes marked by blocks and barrels, and at other times invisible. Reports indicate that Israel has since expanded its control over additional territory within Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement. Both sides have accused each other of violations, and diplomatic efforts to strengthen the truce have stalled, particularly over the issue of disarming Hamas.

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To call it a ceasefire is a joke.