On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir declared the “yellow line” a “new borderline” inside the Gaza Strip, defining a forward defensive position under the ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025.
The “yellow line” marks the zone from which Israeli troops have not withdrawn, serving both as a protective buffer for nearby communities and as an operational boundary for military activity.
“The ‘yellow line’ is a new borderline, serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity,” Zamir said during a visit to Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya, where he met division commanders overseeing the area.
Zamir emphasized that Israeli forces now have “operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip” and “will remain” within those zones to deter future threats.
He added that the military is preparing for “surprise attack scenarios” in its upcoming multi-year plan, aiming to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities inside Gaza.
According to Zamir, the mission will not be complete until the last deceased hostage, police officer Ran Gvili, is brought home. To date, all 20 remaining living hostages have been released, and the bodies of 27 deceased hostages have been returned.
Since October 11, 2025, Israeli troops have shot and killed more than 370 Palestinians who crossed the yellow line. Gaza’s health authorities report that the overall Palestinian death toll since the start of the Israel–Hamas conflict in October 2023 has reached 70,360.
This redefinition of Gaza’s frontline underscores ongoing tensions and the delicate balance between security measures and humanitarian concerns as the region navigates its ceasefire agreement.
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Israeli army chief claims 'yellow line' is new border inside Gaza
cgtn.com
