It said the barrier aimed to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli troops and Israeli communities near Gaza. Construction of the barrier is proceeding rapidlySince the ceasefire deal took hold, Palestinians in Gaza have feared Israel would not return the area of Gaza it controls. In some places, the barriers appear to run outside the yellow line. The Israeli military says it fires on those believed to be militants threatening its troops. Israel responded with a punishing military offensive that has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.