IDF Maintains Defensive Line Near Gaza Amid Hamas Rebuilding Efforts

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) currently hold about 70% of the Gaza Strip, maintaining a defensive line known as the "yellow line," just 150 meters from densely populated Palestinian areas including markets and tent camps. Israeli forces have established permanent posts, dining halls, gyms, and maneuvering zones designed to keep Hamas militants as far as possible from soldiers and Israeli border communities.

The "Peace Council" is preparing to enter Gaza and set policies, including a ceasefire that Israel is cautiously implementing. A U.S. military base near Kibbutz Kerem Shalom is already staffed by armed soldiers securing the facility. Initially, reconstruction was to begin without requiring Hamas to disarm, but the council reversed this stance, insisting disarmament is a prerequisite. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the current 15-point peace plan, stating no Israeli withdrawal will occur until Hamas is disarmed.

On the ground, IDF commanders acknowledge the current defensive posture is temporary. They continue systematic destruction of Hamas infrastructure, including daily tunnel detection and demolition operations. Lieutenant Colonel G, commander of the 202nd Paratroopers Battalion, described ongoing encounters with Hamas operatives who remain active despite setbacks, often seen moving through ruins carrying weapons and supplies. Hamas is attempting to rebuild by repurposing unexploded ordnance and recruiting personnel, though their capabilities are diminished.

The IDF maintains a "sterile zone" of one to two kilometers between its positions and Palestinian populations to prevent enemy infiltration. However, some reserve officers criticize recent changes in rules of engagement, fearing a slippery slope that could undermine security. The IDF employs a cautious approach, using drones for surveillance and arrest protocols rather than immediate lethal force.

Within Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza, the landscape has been extensively flattened using heavy machinery to remove rubble and deny Hamas cover. Despite these efforts, underground tunnels remain a significant threat. Commanders emphasize that the defense is focused on protecting Israeli civilians rather than holding the line itself, with plans to continue offensive operations to prevent Hamas from regaining strength. The IDF assures residents of nearby Israeli communities that they are protected and that Hamas will not be allowed to breach the defensive perimeter.