Israel’s ‘Yellow Line’ Buffer Zone Reshapes Daily Life in Gaza
GAZA
Just a few metres from yellow-painted concrete barriers marking Israel’s latest military redeployment line in eastern Gaza City, Zaid Mohammed, a displaced Palestinian father of four, lives with his family in a small tent amid widespread destruction.
The barriers mark what residents and observers call the “yellow line”—a de facto buffer zone established after Israeli forces pulled back under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect in October.
According to Israeli military maps, the line stretches between 1.5 and 6.5 kilometres (0.9 to 4 miles) inside Gaza from the eastern border with Israel. In total, it covers around 58 percent of the Gaza Strip, sharply reducing the space available to civilians.
Gaza Divided Into Two Unequal Zones
The yellow line splits Gaza into two distinct areas. Israeli forces control the eastern zone, while Palestinians remain confined to the western part of the enclave.
Although movement restrictions ease slightly in the western area, residents still face frequent air strikes, surveillance, and the constant risk of forced displacement.
Zaid’s tent stands amid the remains of demolished homes in a flattened neighbourhood where debris spreads as far as the eye can see. Last week, a United Nations official warned that clearing more than 60 million tonnes of rubble across Gaza could take over seven years.
Widespread Destruction and Displacement
More than 80 percent of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed during over two years of war, affecting a population of more than 2.3 million people.
As a result, most residents—including Zaid—now live in tents or partially destroyed buildings, struggling to survive amid shortages of shelter, safety, and basic services.
“Shelling and gunfire never stop, day or night,” Zaid said, pointing toward the eastern edge of Gaza City, where clouds of dust rise repeatedly from nearby explosions.
As he spoke, drones hovered overhead, while Israeli tanks remained stationed near the yellow-painted barriers, reinforcing the sense of constant threat for families living nearby.
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