Gaza’s yellow line: 'Israel’s' silent push reshapes the territory

• 'Israel' plans to expand control in Gaza from 53 percent to 75 percent under a proposed U.S.-backed plan.
• The “yellow line” marks new military boundaries, restricting movement and reshaping neighborhoods.
• Residents face displacement, heightened fear, and increased strain on infrastructure and services.

New leaks reveal possible expansion of 'Israeli' forces in Gaza from 53 percent to 75 percent of the territory as mediators push for phase two of a ceasefire agreement.

Proposed expansion and U.S.-'Israel' coordination

'Israeli' newspaper Maariv reported Sunday that sources familiar with the matter said Washington and Tel Aviv have developed a plan to extend the so-called “yellow line” to cover 75 percent of Gaza instead of the current 53 percent.

The measure is described as civil pressure on Hamas to avoid a full disarmament clash and the need for international forces.

The plan, still under study, comes ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States and reflects a strategic understanding between Tel Aviv and Washington. It aims to allow reconstruction efforts within 'Israeli'-controlled areas while Hamas continues to resist disarmament.

Sources suggest the plan enjoys broad support in both 'Israel' and the U.S. It would enable 'Israeli' forces to occupy new areas of Gaza gradually, pressuring residents to relocate to rehabilitated zones while leaving Hamas-controlled areas largely intact for potential limited military operations.

Read more: 'Israeli' army chief declares Gaza’s Yellow Line "a new border"

The “yellow line”: redefining control on the ground

Locally, the “yellow line” refers to massive concrete blocks marking 'Israeli' military control. These blocks are not on maps but reshape daily life, restrict movement, and create operational boundaries.

According to Gaza’s official media office, the yellow line acts as a gradual method to engineer control, turning eastern neighborhoods into restricted zones while western areas remain relatively open but under the potential reach of limited 'Israeli' operations.

Voices from inside Gaza

Residents describe life near the yellow line as perilous and uncertain.

Umm Ahmed al-Masri from Shuja’iyya neighborhood told Roya: "Last night was very hard. The blocks appeared suddenly on our street. We can no longer return home. Every yellow cube means a new area we must leave. Life has become temporary; we cannot plan, not even protect our belongings."

Similarly, Umm Riyad Hamad from East Tuffah described constant fear:
"Every street movement is cautious. Children have no place to play. Access to other areas is a challenge. The yellow blocks silently change everything; they turn our streets into boundaries that can only be crossed by force."

Population displacement and humanitarian impact

Officials in Gaza warn that the silent expansion forces residents to leave their homes, either through bombardment, incursions, or direct threats. This reshaping of the population map leaves some areas nearly empty while others become overcrowded, straining infrastructure and services.

Families are increasingly relocating to temporary shelters, worsening social fragmentation. The persistent fear of 'Israeli' operations, coupled with electricity outages, military noise, and artillery fire, creates a climate of anxiety, especially for children and the elderly.

Ceasefire tensions and long-term consequences

Gaza authorities describe the yellow line’s advance as a de facto violation of the ceasefire, carried out without official announcement. The strategy exerts constant pressure on civilians to relocate, aiming to forcibly reshape Gaza’s social and demographic map.

Officials warn that the long-term effects could include continued instability and social dislocation, leaving communities fragmented and vulnerable even after reconstruction.