IDF Expands Gaza Territorial Control from Yellow Line to Orange Line, Adding 34 Square Kilometers

On May 13, 2026, the IDF formally expanded its controlled zone inside the Gaza Strip from the existing Yellow Line ceasefire boundary to a new, deeper Orange Line, approved by the Board of Peace. The expansion added approximately 34 square kilometers — roughly 11% of Gaza's total area — bringing cumulative Israeli control to approximately 64% of the entire Gaza Strip. The Orange Line runs deeper into central Gaza than the Yellow Line, which had been established as a buffer zone during the October 2025 ceasefire framework. The expansion occurred on Day 3 of Israel's renewed military campaign (authorized by the security cabinet on May 10), and was reportedly approved by the Board of Peace within the framework of permitting operational security measures during the ceasefire breakdown period. The territorial expansion effectively formalized Israeli military presence in areas previously designated as civilian access zones, further limiting space available for displaced Palestinians. The IDF said the Orange Line would serve as the new operational boundary for ground force deployments. Palestinian humanitarian organizations condemned the expansion, warning it would further restrict aid corridor access and push additional civilians into already overcrowded southern Gaza zones.