Israel’s ‘Yellow Line’ expands, squeezing Gaza’s population

Israel’s ‘Yellow Line’ expands

Israel has moved the yellow concrete blocks that mark the ‘Yellow Line’ westward in several locations, including Shujayea in southeastern Gaza City, increasing the area under its control.

Growing restrictions

Satellite imagery and reports from Forensic Architecture show that Israel now controls about 65 percent of Gaza, a figure that has risen from 53 percent at the start of the ceasefire. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that restrictions now cover 65 percent of the Strip, while Israel itself says it controls about 70 percent.

Impact on Palestinians

The expansion has left 2.1 million Palestinians in roughly 35 percent of the territory, about 128 square kilometres. The population density in that area has risen to about 16,000 people per square kilometre, leaving each person with only about 61 square metres of land for shelter, roads, schools, hospitals and farmland.