With the fragile ceasefire in Gaza holding, a new idea is gaining traction among military and Middle East experts — dividing the Strip into two areas. On one side, life under Hamas’s grip; on the other, a vision of what life would be like without the terror group. This strategy, referred to as the ‘yellow line’ by Israeli officials, involves rebuilding in parts of Gaza still under Israeli control, with the hope of providing an example of peace and recovery that could spark change in the areas still ruled by Hamas.
Both military and civilian leaders in the region are now considering the feasibility of implementing this strategy. The concept is rooted in historical counterinsurgency efforts seen in the United States’ military operations in Iraq, where the ‘clear, hold, build’ model was used to secure and stabilize neighborhoods. According to John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, this approach is considered a ‘practical and psychological test,’ a way to show Gazans what life could look like without Hamas.
The division aims to create a living example of peace and recovery, with the goal of inspiring change within Hamas-controlled areas. ‘You take any piece of the problem — here we’re talking about terrain — and you clear out all the bad: Hamas, tunnels, weapons, everything,’ Spencer said. ‘Then you let civilians in and you build something new — markets, buildings, schools, electricity. We called it Disneyland because we wanted it to look like hope — like the future.’
Gabriel Bortz, a military strategist with close ties to Israeli defense, has been vocal in his support for the strategy. Bortz emphasized that the idea is not just about rebuilding but about creating a stable foundation for the long term. ‘The ultimate aim is to develop local fighting forces to counter Hamas, which the Gazans themselves will welcome,’ Bortz said. ‘It’s a capacity we’re building for a longer-lasting solution.’
This strategy comes in response to the growing frustration among international observers and humanitarian groups regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has persisted despite the ceasefire. The focus on rebuilding areas under Israeli control is seen as a way to show tangible progress while Hamas remains a belligerent actor in the region.
However, the plan is not without its critics. Some analysts warn that the approach could lead to an entrenched division of the Strip, with long-term implications for stability and security. Despite these concerns, many believe that the strategy offers a pragmatic path forward in a complex geopolitical landscape.