In recent days, Israeli forces have expanded areas under their military occupation across Gaza, forcing thousands of Palestinian residents to flee their homes and shelters. This latest wave of displacement follows the movement of a military demarcation known as the “yellow line,” which was originally established under a US-brokered ceasefire in October.
Residents in several areas, including Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, Tuffah, Shejaia, and northern Rafah, have reported that Israeli forces have shifted this boundary over the past 10 days. Families in the Zeitoun district described being forced to leave their homes due to new evacuation orders and the advancing military zone. For some, this marks the seventh or eighth time they have been displaced since the start of the war.
The expansion of the “yellow line” has been observed in at least five locations across the enclave, according to local residents and Hamas officials. Data indicates that Israel controlled approximately 64 percent of Gaza by late April, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on May 28 that the government intends to expand this control to 70 percent of the territory. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on July 20 that a specific displacement order in Zeitoun forced 30 families from their tents, which residents stated were subsequently destroyed.
Since the conflict began on October 8, 2023, the humanitarian impact has been severe. Official figures indicate that more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 174,000 have been wounded. Additionally, approximately 90 percent of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure has been destroyed during the ongoing military campaign.
