Israel has moved the blocks which are supposed to mark its post-ceasefire line of control deeper into Gaza in several places, sowing confusion among Palestinians.

Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show that in at least three areas Israel placed blocks, before returning later and moving the positions further into the Strip.

Under the terms of the US-brokered deal with Hamas, Israel agreed to withdraw troops beyond a line marked in yellow on Israeli military maps, which it has illustrated on the ground with concrete yellow blocks.

Defence Minister Israel Katz warned in October that anyone crossing the Yellow Line would be 'met with fire'.

Since these comments were made, there have been a series of deadly incidents around the line.

In Beit Lahia, Jabalia and al-Tuffah, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) placed blocks and later returned to move them deeper inside Gaza. In total, 16 positions were moved.

In the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, satellite images show that IDF troops moved at least seven already placed blocks between 27 November and 25 December.

The position of the markers was moved on average 295m (968ft) deeper inside the Strip.

As well as the blocks that have been moved, BBC Verify mapped 205 other markers. More than half of those have been placed significantly deeper inside the Strip than the line marked on maps.

An IDF spokesperson said it rejected 'all claims that the Yellow Line has been moved or its crossing by IDF troops'. 'The IDF is operating to visually mark the Yellow Line in accordance with the conditions on the ground and the ongoing operational situational assessment,' they added.

Last month, a 23-year-old man near Khan Younis reported being 'trapped' as Israeli troops suddenly moved blocks nearby beyond the mapped line. He said, 'We are now living inside the Yellow Line, [but] behind the yellow blocks, with no idea what our fate will be.'

Prof Andreas Krieg, a Middle East security expert, described the movement of the blocks as a 'tool for territorial engineering'. He noted that this allows Israel to shift where Gazans may live and farm without formally changing the border.

Since Katz's warning in October, troops have shot at people crossing the Yellow Line on at least 69 occasions. Reports detail instances of airstrikes on civilian areas, resulting in deaths.

While the US has initiated a second phase of the ceasefire deal, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with many residents unaware of their safety and territorial rights due to the shifting markers.