BBC investigation finds ‘Israel’ controls areas inside Gaza hundreds of meters beyond agreed ceasefire boundaries.

 

Satellite images reveal the creation of an unofficial “buffer zone,” raising concerns over civilian safety and ceasefire violations.

A detailed investigation by the BBC has uncovered alarming evidence suggesting that the ‘Israeli’ military is maintaining control over significantly larger areas of Gaza than those outlined in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

 

Using satellite imagery and on-the-ground documentation, the BBC found that the physical markers of the so-called “yellow line” have been placed hundreds of meters deeper inside Gaza than what appears on official maps.

 

Maps vs. reality

According to the agreement, which took effect on October 10, the ‘Israeli’ army was required to withdraw to a specific demarcation line. However, BBC findings revealed the following:

 

Northern Gaza (Al-Atatra): Concrete yellow blocks were placed roughly 520 meters inside the Strip, which is well beyond the position shown on the official ‘Israeli’ military map.

Southern Gaza (Khan Younis): 10 similar markers were found between 180 and 290 meters past the supposed border.

The BBC estimated that if such discrepancies are consistent along the entire line, ‘Israel’ could be effectively exerting control over a much larger area of Gaza than permitted under the deal.

 

‘Israel’ responds: “Tactical boundaries” and threats of live fire

The ‘Israeli’ military declined to directly address the BBC’s findings. However, War Minister Israel Katz, who reportedly ordered the placement of the concrete blocks, stated that the markers represent the “true operational line” and warned that “any attempt to cross it will be met with live fire, without prior warning.”

 

Experts say this indicates an attempt to create an unofficial “buffer zone” or “kill zone” within Gaza, further eroding the boundaries of Palestinian control.

 

Deadly violations

Concerns have grown following several incidents of gunfire in the newly marked areas. The BBC verified footage from October 17 showing an attack that killed 11 civilians, including women and children, inside eastern Gaza.

 

Analysis revealed the car was hit 125 meters within the yellow-line boundary marked on the official map, contradicting ‘Israeli’ claims that the vehicle had crossed the line.

 

Legal experts note that even if civilians did cross, ‘Israel’ remains bound by international humanitarian law to protect them.

 

The ‘Israeli’ military claimed it fired “warning shots” before fully opening fire, saying the vehicle appeared “suspicious” and failed to stop.

 

International law expert: No legal justification for civilian harm

Dr. Laurence Hill-Cawthorne, Professor of International Law at the University of Bristol, stressed that “‘Israel’s’ obligations under international humanitarian law do not cease even if civilians cross the yellow line.”

 

He added: “Israel can only direct attacks against combatants or those directly participating in hostilities, and it is strictly prohibited from causing excessive harm to civilians.”