Israel builds 23‑km earthen barrier dividing Gaza

Satellite imagery released by the Associated Press and other outlets shows the Israeli military constructing a large earthen barrier that now stretches over 23 kilometres, covering more than half the length of the Gaza Strip. The barrier follows the so‑called “yellow line” – the cease‑fire line set under the October 2025 agreement – and separates the area under Israeli control from the remainder of the enclave, home to over two million Palestinians.

The wall, built with bulldozers and explosives, has been extended rapidly; a section in Rafah grew from about 500 metres on 1 July to roughly 2.4 kilometres by 15 July, and a new southern segment added more than two kilometres in two weeks. Israeli officials say the structure creates a “security zone” to prevent infiltrations and protect nearby Israeli troops and settlements, while critics warn it may turn the temporary cease‑fire line into a permanent border.

If construction continues at the current pace, the southern segment could link with an existing 17‑km stretch running from Khan Younès to Gaza City, further entrenching the division of the territory.