Gazans uprooted as Israel expands ‘yellow line’ military zone

Israel is expanding its military control zone, known as the “yellow line,” in Gaza, displacing residents for the seventh or eighth time since the war began. This expansion has been observed in at least five locations, including Gaza City’s Zeitoun district, and follows a US-brokered ceasefire in October. Residents, like Assem Dawla, are forced to relocate due to continued Israeli military activity, often receiving warnings via text or drones. The Israeli military states its forces are deployed to protect Israel and that the yellow line is clearly marked to reduce civilian contact. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported an Israeli displacement order in Zeitoun forced 30 families from their tents, which were subsequently destroyed. Dawla stated, “The whole war is displacement, displacement. You can’t stay anywhere without [Israel] telling you, ‘Get out of here, we want to come in’.”