Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to erect physical markers along the “Yellow Line” in Gaza, a key withdrawal boundary established under the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The markers will delineate IDF control zones, with clear warnings stating that “Hamas terrorists and Gaza residents” attempting to cross will face gunfire. This measure, announced by Katz during a Security Cabinet meeting, aims to enforce the ceasefire’s terms and prevent violations amid fragile peace talks.
The “Yellow Line,” part of the first phase of Trump’s plan, represents Israel’s partial withdrawal from Gaza, facilitating hostage releases and aid flow. However, with Hamas reasserting control in some areas and recent reports of internal violence, Katz emphasized the need for strict enforcement. “The markers will serve as a visible deterrent, ensuring compliance and protecting Israeli forces,” Katz stated, according to open-source intelligence from the IDF’s official channels.
The development follows Hamas’s refusal to fully disarm, as stated by senior official Basem Naeem, who insisted on retaining weapons for a future Palestinian state. Israel’s withdrawal, while a step toward peace, has raised security concerns, with the IDF citing potential for renewed attacks.
