Satellite images show that the Israeli military is rapidly constructing a massive earthen barrier stretching for several kilometers inside the Gaza Strip. According to satellite images from Planet Labs PBC, the construction has brought more than 50 percent of the Gaza Strip, home to more than two million Palestinians, under Israeli control and separated from the rest of the territory.

The earthen barrier, which runs through devastated Palestinian settlements, is now more than 14 miles long.

The Israeli military is using the so-called "Yellow Line" border, established after the ceasefire agreement with Hamas last October, to divide the Gaza Strip, which is about 25 miles long and about 7 miles wide.  Initially considered a temporary security barrier, the ongoing construction has drawn the attention of analysts who believe that a permanent military presence is planned in the area.

The Israeli military told the Associated Press (AP) that the construction is a security zone with intelligence and technical facilities to protect Israeli communities and troops near Gaza and prevent unauthorized entry. However, it has refused to disclose how far the barrier will be extended. The US Central Command has also not commented on the matter.

According to satellite data, the barrier network in southern Gaza has been extended by about 1.2 miles in the past two weeks. The section, which was about 0.3 miles on July 1, has grown to 1.5 miles by July 15, and runs through the areas of Rafah and Muawiyah.  If the current construction direction is maintained, it will reportedly connect with the main barrier that extends from Khan Younis to the outskirts of Gaza City. Satellite images also reveal that a new section of the barrier has been built in the Bani Suhayla area.

Large parts of the Gaza Strip under Israeli control are now depopulated, and many buildings have been bulldozed and leveled with explosives. Infrastructure and agricultural land allegedly used by Hamas have also been destroyed, and new roads and military bases have been built in those areas. It is also said that the majority of displaced Palestinians are living on humanitarian aid in coastal tent camps.

According to foreign media reports, some Israeli soldiers have said that they have been given orders to shoot anyone who comes near this security fence.  However, the Israeli military officially says it only strikes militants who pose a threat to its forces.

More than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes and drone strikes since the ceasefire began, while only five Israeli soldiers have been killed in militant attacks during that period. A recent attack on Gaza City reportedly killed four children aged between 6 and 13 and their parents, and the Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants in the area at the time.