Residents in Gaza’s Khan Yunis are trapped by Israeli strikes near the ‘Yellow Line’, fearing forced displacement amid a fragile ceasefire.
KHAN YUNIS: Gazans living near a demarcation line in southern Gaza fear being forced from their homes by continued Israeli bombardment.
Residents report recent strikes targeting neighbourhoods east of the Israeli-controlled ‘Yellow Line’, established under a truce with Hamas.
Tens of thousands still live in tents or damaged homes in these areas, where the Israeli army maintains control.
Many now fear being compelled to move west of the line.
“We don’t sleep at night because of fear. The bombardments in the east are relentless,” said Umm Ahmed, 40, from Bani Suheila.
Her home is destroyed, but the family remains in a tent beside the ruins.
Crossing to the overcrowded Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis is not an option, she said.
The war began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas attack on Israel killed 1,221 people.
More than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza since, according to the territory’s health ministry.
A fragile ceasefire has held since October 10, though both sides accuse each other of violations.
Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir recently described the Yellow Line as the “new border” with Israel.
Palestinian officials see the line as a tool for permanent displacement.
“The objective is to frighten residents, expel them from their areas, and force them west,” said Alaa al-Batta, mayor of Khan Yunis.
The Israeli military has reported strikes near the line on suspected militants.
Mahmud Baraka, 45, from Khuzaa, described constant artillery fire and home demolitions.
“It feels like we are still living in a war zone,” he said.
Residents feel trapped between bombardment and displacement.
Despite the danger, Abdel Hamid, 70, refuses to leave his home north of Khan Yunis.
“We will not leave… this is our land,” he said.
