Israeli Military Commander Sets Troop Withdrawal Lines As 'New Restrictions' In Gaza

JAKARTA - Israel's Chief of Staff Defense Forces (IDF) Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir on Sunday said the withdrawal line of Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip, Palestine now effectively serves as a "new border," according to a statement released by the military.

When meeting his troops in northern Gaza on Sunday Lieutenant General Zamir said the so-called "yellow line" was a new border, a front line for Israel's border community and also an attack line.

The yellow line represents the division of new territory in the Gaza Strip and extends between 1.5 and 6.5 kilometers to coastal areas. Thus, Israel controls slightly more than half of Gaza's territory, where more than 2 million Palestinians live.

Before the new border was set, the Gaza Strip had a length of about 41 kilometers and a width of between 6 and 12 kilometers.

"We will respond with the full force of every effort that threatens our forces," Lieutenant General Zamir said, adding Israel would not allow Hamas to return to power in the Gaza Strip.

It is known that Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Israel agreed on the first phase of the ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States and took effect on October 10.

The first phase of the deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The plan also includes the rebuilding of Gaza and the formation of a new government mechanism without Hamas.

Under the deal, Israeli soldiers have backed back behind the yellow line, which is named after the yellow concrete block and signs on the backline.

The United Nations resolution 2803 approved the formation of the Peace Council, international stabilization forces (ISFs) and a new administrative committee in Gaza to support the ceasefire and regulation of the transitional government.

As of yesterday, about 373 Gazans have been killed and 970 others injured since the ceasefire took effect, while the total death toll from Palestine since October 2023 has reached 70,360, while injuries have reached 171,047, quoted from WAFA.

In many cases, the Israeli military claims the attack was aimed at those crossing the yellow line.