Satellite images show Israel quietly building barrier separating over 50pc of Gaza

Israel's military is constructing a large earthen barrier separating over 50 per cent of Gaza it occupies from the rest of the territory, according to satellite images, in a move that could deepen the division of the Palestinian territory.

Satellite imagery reviewed by a wire service shows that more than 23 kilometres of the barrier have been built in recent months through areas previously occupied by Palestinian communities.

The barrier stretches for more than 23 kilometres, covering over half of Gaza's roughly 40-kilometre length. The coastal territory, which is about 11 kilometres wide at its broadest point, is home to more than two million Palestinians.

The Israeli military confirmed that it has built a physical barrier in the area of the so-called “Yellow Line”, where its forces withdrew under the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas in October. The line was intended to serve as a temporary military boundary until a broader Israeli withdrawal.

The ceasefire monitoring mission under US Central Command and the US-backed body overseeing the agreement did not comment on the project.

According to the satellite images, construction has continued in several parts of Gaza. In the south, a section of the barrier near Rafah expanded by more than two kilometres during the first half of July, separating the city from the Muwasi area, where many displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

Another stretch, extending from Khan Younis towards Gaza City, has also grown in recent months. Images indicate construction began in February and has continued southward, with more than one kilometre added between late June and early July.

Additional sections of the barrier have also been identified near Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

The images do not clearly show the height of the barriers, while some sections appear to extend beyond the boundary outlined in the ceasefire agreement.