🗺️ GAZA’S PHYSICAL DIVISION DEEPENS AS TERROR LINKS EMERGE
🕑 Published: July 23, 2026 · 1:47 AM Israel time
🕑 Published: July 23, 2026 · 1:47 AM Israel time
🚧 The Gaza ceasefire is increasingly defined by physical separation and political stagnation:
Hamas political bureau head Khalil Al-Hayya called for a transition to the “second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.” He pledged to follow the “same path as the commanders,” ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza, assume responsibility for defending Judea and Samaria, and continue the “defense of occupied Jerusalem.”
The IDF is constructing a 23-kilometer earthen barrier along the ceasefire’s “yellow line,” incorporating a technologically equipped security zone. A 17-kilometer central section connects Khan Younis with northern Gaza City, while an additional two kilometers were constructed between July 1 and July 15 to separate Rafah from Muwasi.
On the Israeli-controlled side, forces have cleared buildings and agricultural areas while constructing roads and military bases. The IDF says the berms reduce friction and prevent infiltration.
More than 1,100 terrorists have been eliminated after approaching the boundary, while five Israeli soldiers have been killed in attacks. Implementation of the U.S.-backed withdrawal remains stalled amid Hamas’ failure to disarm and reciprocal accusations of ceasefire violations.
The Trump-led Board of Peace and CENTCOM declined to comment on the construction. The continuing stalemate has increased local fears that the temporary division could become a permanent territorial partition.
⚽ The IDF says terror affiliations were concealed behind sporting identities:
IDF intelligence investigations identified 12 Gazan football players, coaches and referees who were internationally presented solely as athletes or civilians but also served in the military wings of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The individuals allegedly included commanders and operatives in aerial, anti-tank and other units. Three reportedly infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre, while others held command positions in Nuseirat, Rafah and other parts of Gaza.
The IDF said the findings refute allegations that they were deliberately targeted because of their sporting professions. It described the cases as part of a broader pattern in which organizational affiliations are concealed while terrorists are presented solely as journalists, aid workers or civilians.
🤖 OpenAI is reportedly preparing its first operational presence in Israel:
The company is preparing to establish a local business-development presence, marking its first operations in the country, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.
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