Israeli Military Expands Control Deeper into Gaza than Agreed in Ceasefire

Fri Oct 24 2025 10:20:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Recent analysis reveals that the Israeli military has established control over a larger area of Gaza than was stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, raising concerns about the implications for civilian safety.

A BBC Verify investigation has uncovered that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have placed boundary markers significantly deeper inside Gaza than expected from a recent ceasefire deal. This expansion of control could imply a strategic buffer zone, leading to increased risks for civilians. The IDF's military operations have already resulted in fatalities, with warnings issued against crossing the new boundary, further complicating the safety for those living in proximity to the lines.

The Israeli military is exerting control over more of Gaza than expected from the ceasefire deal with Hamas, a BBC Verify analysis has found.

Under the first stage of the deal, Israel agreed to retreat to a boundary running along the north, south and east of Gaza, marked by a yellow line on military maps known as the Yellow Line.

However, new videos and satellite images indicate that Israeli troops have placed markers for this boundary hundreds of metres deeper inside Gaza than anticipated.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has emphasized that any movement across this line will be met with lethal force, following several deadly incidents near the boundary.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) refrained from addressing specific allegations concerning the markers, offering a general statement about their placement for tactical clarity.

Further assessment showed a lack of defined boundaries, as evidenced by conflicting maps released in the lead-up to the ceasefire agreement, which has made it difficult for civilians to identify safe zones.

Examples include drone footage revealing yellow blocks positioned as much as 520 meters within Gaza's northern region and up to 290 meters in the south near Khan Younis.

Analysts posited that these boundary markers are likely intended to create a buffer zone between military personnel and civilians, potentially increasing risks for Gazans who inadvertently cross into more dangerous territories.

Concerns have been heightened by serious incidents involving fatalities among civilians due to alleged boundary violations, with local voices expressing confusion and fear about their safety due to ambiguous boundary markings.

The ongoing situation in Gaza remains dire, with statistics reflecting significant casualties since the military campaign escalated in response to a deadly attack by Hamas in early October 2023. The humanitarian implications of these military strategies continue to unfold as the conflict persists.