Gaza: what is this “yellow line” described as “new border” by the Israeli army?

A route that questions. In a military statement issued this Sunday, the chief of staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir, affirmed that the yellow demarcation line in the Gaza Strip was the “new border” with Israel. The senior officer added that this line constituted a “forward line of defense for the (Israeli) localities and a line of attack.” What does it consist of? What does its layout look like? Explanations.

A line between “West Gaza” and “East Gaza”

The contours of this “yellow line” were defined in the peace plan carried by American President Donald Trump and signed at the beginning of October. On his Truth Social network, the head of state published a map of the Gaza Strip, divided into two parts, themselves separated by a yellow line.

This “withdrawal line”, in the words of Donald Trump, defined an area in which Israeli troops were supposed to settle temporarily, under the ceasefire agreement signed with Hamas on October 10.

This “yellow line” separates the western part of Gaza – which notably includes Gaza City and Khan Younes – and the eastern part of the enclave. The latter is under the control of the Israeli army. Representing 58% of the territory, it includes the city of Rafah, bordering Egypt.

A line that must move

In principle, the “yellow line” was a first temporary and indicative route for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the entire Gaza Strip. Ultimately, an “International Stabilization Force” (ISF) must be deployed in the area, in order to take over from the Israeli army, indicates Donald Trump’s plan.

But to get there, the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas must be concluded, which requires the return of the last bodies of hostages held in the strip. This Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled that Israel was still waiting for the body of one last hostage, the Israeli Ran Gvili. He also hoped to move “very soon” to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which also provides for the disarmament of Hamas.

The question of the International Stabilization Force could also remain a sticking point with the arrival of a second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. On Saturday, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, the main negotiator for the Palestinian Islamist movement, refused the deployment of an international force whose mission would be to disarm his movement. He nevertheless declared that he was ready to hand over his weapons in the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian authority governing this territory, but on condition that its occupation by the Israeli army ceases.

Behind the line, “destroyed” lands

On the ground, last month, Gazans already told Le Parisien of their fear of seeing the “yellow line” become a real border with Israel. Because behind this route, “the Israeli army methodically destroyed and razed the entire area which now hosts military outposts”, indicates the NGO Amnesty International, which is concerned about a “permanent” expulsion of the Palestinian population in eastern Gaza.

Behind this line was located in particular agricultural land, necessary for the Palestinian populations, now “practically deprived of any independent access to means of subsistence”, describes the NGO.

“Yellow concrete blocks are scattered randomly across the ruins of Gaza. Gazans are prohibited from crossing this line and attempting to return home. At least 93 people who tried to cross the line were killed,” the human rights association testified at the end of November.