Concrete Barriers in Gaza: Towards Permanent Borders and Emerging Challenges

Gaza is witnessing troubling changes on the ground following the recent ceasefire arrangements. Israeli authorities have begun delineating the 'yellow zone' with concrete blocks and yellow markers, covering nearly 50% of the territory. These areas have seen an Israeli military withdrawal, yet remain under its fire control. This process is rooted in a US-mediated agreement that established a line of withdrawal, restricting Palestinian movement beyond this boundary.

Israeli military vehicles have rapidly installed concrete cubes about 20 meters apart, creating a tangible transformation of the landscape. Israeli sources confirm these yellow-painted blocks and accompanying metal markers send a clear warning to Hamas and Gaza's residents: any crossing of this line will be met with immediate military response.

Media reports indicate that the Israeli army is treating the yellow zone as a de facto border, resembling the previously marked boundary with Lebanon. There are mounting concerns that this area could become a permanent international border if the second phase of the agreement fails, potentially resulting in the construction of a wall that would drastically reduce Gaza’s size.

Simultaneously, questions are raised about Gaza’s future, as areas adjacent to the yellow line become open land following widespread destruction, amid expectations of renewed settlement efforts. Between drawn boundaries and humanitarian crises, Gaza faces unprecedented challenges that are reshaping its political and geographic reality.