Israel building earthen barrier in Gaza to entrench division of the enclave

Israel is constructing a substantial earthen barrier in Gaza, a move that is intensifying Palestinian fears of permanent Israeli occupation and division of the enclave.

Satellite images reveal the barrier, consisting of an earth berm and a trench, extends significantly beyond the 'yellow line.' This line was intended to demarcate the border between Israeli-controlled and Palestinian territories under a US-backed ceasefire agreement from October 2025. Reports indicate the barrier in the Khan Younis area is approximately 400 meters past the yellow line, and in Rafah, it reaches about 1,300 meters beyond it.

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I intend to establish three Nahal outposts, which is also a military entity, in those places that were in northern Gaza.

Already exceeding 23 kilometers in length, the barrier cuts through Palestinian communities whose homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land have been devastated during the ongoing conflict. Israel has also established new roads and military bases on the ruins of Palestinian towns. These actions, coupled with statements from some Israeli officials about appropriating land, heighten Palestinian concerns about their inability to return to their homes.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza are confined to crowded tent camps, facing ongoing Israeli airstrikes and severe shortages of aid and supplies. The Israeli military confirmed the construction of a physical barrier near the yellow line. The ceasefire deal had envisioned the yellow line as a temporary demarcation pending Israeli withdrawal, but Israel's actions suggest a move towards entrenching its control, transforming the temporary line into a de facto border.

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We are walking today to tell the government of Israel and show all the world that this land belongs to us and that Gaza really belongs to us and that we want to go back there.