Gazans Face New Peril as Israeli Forces Establish Yellow Line Withdrawal Zone

Residents of Gaza City awoke to a stark new reality. Large yellow concrete blocks appeared overnight, marking a new Israeli military line. This demarcation follows the recent US-brokered ceasefire.

The blocks were placed by Israeli forces in the Shujaiya neighbourhood. According to AFP, this new line creates immediate danger for families living nearby.

Residents Describe Sudden Danger and Forced Displacement

Ibrahim Farahat found a block directly at his doorstep. He told AFP that gunfire now reaches his home. The block had been moved from a location nearly a kilometer away.

Other residents witnessed the installation process. Fadi Shafiq Hararah described military equipment including robots and a tank. Many families are now packing their belongings to flee yet again.

The displacement is a repeated trauma for many. Akram Jaradah told AFP this is his 16th move since the war began. He expressed despair over the constant danger posed by the army’s presence.

Ceasefire Agreement Under Strain as Yellow Line Shifts

The truce agreement, negotiated with US involvement, stipulated an Israeli withdrawal. The Yellow Line was meant to be a temporary position. Further withdrawals were supposed to follow progress in peace talks.

However, reports suggest the line is not static. The Wall Street Journal published an investigation indicating Israeli reinforcements and water points. The Israeli military declined to comment on these specific allegations.

Hamas has issued strong statements condemning the situation. A spokesman accused Israel of “escalating violations” of the ceasefire. The movement claims the line’s “daily westward advance” contradicts agreed-upon maps.

The establishment of the Yellow Line withdrawal zone has created a new flashpoint. It underscores the fragile nature of the current truce. For Gazans, this new boundary represents another chapter in a long story of displacement and uncertainty.

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What is the Yellow Line in Gaza?

The Yellow Line is a demarcation line established by Israeli forces following the ceasefire. It is marked by large concrete blocks and indicates the current withdrawal position of troops inside Gaza.

How have Gazan residents been affected?

Residents near the line report coming under direct gunfire. Many have been forced to displace from their homes for the second or even sixteenth time since the war began.

What does the ceasefire agreement say about troop withdrawal?

The US-brokered agreement calls for Israeli troops to eventually withdraw further. This should happen in step with progress in the ongoing peace process for the region.

How has Hamas responded to the Yellow Line?

Hamas officials have accused Israel of blatantly breaching the ceasefire agreement. They state the line’s westward advance causes mass displacement and contradicts agreed maps.

What has the Israeli military said about the blocks?

When contacted by AFP, the military stated it was simply marking the existing Yellow Line. It denied expanding the line in any way.

Trusted Sources

Agence France-Presse (AFP), The Wall Street Journal