Israeli military builds massive earthen barrier inside Gaza

Key Points:

• The Israeli military is rapidly constructing a large earthen barrier separating over half of the Gaza Strip it controls from the rest of the territory, with more than 23 kilometers built recently, reinforcing the division of Gaza.
• The barrier follows the "yellow line" established in the October ceasefire deal with Hamas, initially meant as a temporary boundary, but its expansion suggests Israel may be solidifying it as a permanent border.
• The military has also created a "security zone" with advanced surveillance around the barrier to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli forces and nearby communities, while demolishing Palestinian towns and infrastructure on the controlled side.
• Since the ceasefire, Israeli strikes have killed over 1,100 Palestinians, mostly in air and drone attacks targeting militants, while Hamas attacks have killed five Israeli soldiers; ceasefire implementation remains stalled amid mutual accusations.
• The Gaza population is increasingly confined to a coastal area west of the barrier, living in difficult conditions, as much of the territory east of the line has been leveled and depopulated by Israeli forces.