The Israeli army has begun constructing a literal “Yellow Line” to demarcate the parts of the Gaza Strip under occupation, following a series of skirmishes over the weekend that threatened to collapse the current cease-fire.
Footage from Monday morning shows the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) monitoring construction equipment hauling in yellow-painted concrete blocks and metal signs. The Yellow Line, as defined by President Trump’s cease-fire deal, is meant to separate the areas of Gaza open to civilians from the 53% currently under IDF occupation, most of which is outside urban areas.
The IDF has repeatedly accused Hamas of trespassing past the agreed-upon Yellow Line, leading to gunfire and shelling across Gaza in recent days that left dozens dead. Meanwhile, Palestinians returning to their destroyed homes amid the cease-fire have alleged that they were attacked by the IDF near the boundary, with many claiming it remains unclear where the Yellow Line actually stands.
This confusion prompted Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to order the construction of a physical marker to clearly define the boundary for all sides, according to the Times of Israel. Katz stated that signs will be placed along the Yellow Line, warning, “Hamas terrorists and Gaza residents that any violation or attempt to cross the line will be met with fire.”
The immediate work on the Yellow Line follows “significant and extensive” waves of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed 38 people. Israel defended the bombardment as retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israeli troops in Rafah, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.
The recent fighting caused the Trump administration and mediators to scramble to keep the cease-fire alive. Israel later confirmed that it was resuming the peace deal. Following the intense weekend clashes, President Trump insisted that the cease-fire is “still in place,” with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner actively working to maintain peace in Israel.
Additionally, Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in the Jewish state on Tuesday to further support diplomatic efforts.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/world-news/israel-constructs-yellow-line-to-mark-occupation-zone-after-skirmishes-threaten-cease-fire/