Israel blocks Gaza withdrawal and escalates attacks and restrictions despite the ceasefire, deepening the humanitarian crisis and undermining negotiations.
Key Developments
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says troops will not move from the Gaza “Yellow Line.”
- Israel threatens renewed war if Hamas is not disarmed within 60 days.
- Airstrikes, artillery fire, and demolitions continue across Gaza despite the ceasefire.
- Israeli navy fires at fishermen and arrests two off the Gaza City coast.
- Rafah crossing remains tightly restricted while thousands of wounded await evacuation.
Israel Freezes Withdrawal
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israeli forces will remain inside the Gaza Strip and will not withdraw from their current positions, declaring Israel “will not move one millimeter” from the so-called “Yellow Line.”
The line marks the eastern areas of Gaza where Israeli troops redeployed during the first phase of the ceasefire plan backed by US President Donald Trump. Under the agreement’s second phase, which began last month, Israel was expected to begin a gradual pullback.
Katz instead conditioned any withdrawal on the complete disarmament of the Palestinian Resistance group Hamas.
“We will never allow Hamas to remain — not with weapons and not with tunnels. The slogan is simple: until the last tunnel,” he said at a conference organized by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
He reiterated the position in explicit terms:
“We will not move from the Yellow Line by one millimeter until Hamas is disarmed, from weapons, from tunnels and from other things.”
The statement follows remarks by Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, warning Hamas would be given 60 days to disarm or Israel would resume the war.
The ceasefire that was meant to end Israel’s two-year genocide in Gaza in October 2025 included provisions for Israeli redeployment, reconstruction, expanded humanitarian aid, and a governing administrative body in Gaza. Katz’s comments indicate Israel is suspending withdrawal until political and military conditions it defines are met.
Katz also emphasized continued strategic alignment with Washington, calling the United States a “great ally” that supported Israel during a “multi-front conflict,” while acknowledging disagreements that “had their impact.”
He further announced a long-term military expansion plan, saying the Defense Ministry intends to launch the “Shield of Israel” initiative, adding approximately 350 billion shekels (about $95 billion) to military spending over the next decade.
“There is no security without an economy, and no economy without security,” he said.
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Attacks Continue
Even as negotiations proceed, Israeli forces carried out new attacks across Gaza on Tuesday.
Airstrikes hit areas of Khan Yunis and Rafah in southern Gaza within zones where Israeli troops remain deployed. Artillery shelling was reported west of Rafah, while explosions occurred near Beit Lahia in the north as Israeli forces demolished structures in areas under their control.
Medical sources reported Palestinians injured by gunfire in the Mawasi area and another wounded by drone fire in central Gaza.
The strikes add to hundreds of reported violations since the ceasefire took effect. Gaza health authorities say more than 600 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,600 injured in post-truce attacks.
The ongoing bombardment has occurred while reconstruction and aid provisions remain largely stalled, and large areas of the Strip remain uninhabitable after the war destroyed most civilian infrastructure.
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Fishermen Targeted
Israeli naval vessels opened heavy fire toward Gaza City’s coastline before pursuing a fishing boat and arresting two fishermen — identified as Ahmad Subhi Saadallah and Mohammed Khamis Saadallah.
Fishing has remained one of the few food sources for families inside Gaza, and repeated naval attacks have severely limited access to the sea.
Restrictions also continued at Rafah crossing. According to Gaza authorities, only a small percentage of approved travelers have been allowed to pass since its partial reopening earlier this month.
Approximately 925 people have crossed in two weeks — about one-third of the number scheduled. Meanwhile, officials estimate around 22,000 wounded and sick Palestinians urgently require treatment abroad due to the collapse of the healthcare system.
(PC, QNN, AA, Israeli Media)
The Israeli Jewish Nazis are the scum of the Earth.
Because of your reiterate is exactly why the Israelis will not move a millimeter from the yellow line until Hamas is defeated, de-funded and removed. Ergo..upcoming USA/Israel war on Jghadist Iran Regime. Bye..bye.