According to Al Jazeera’s field team, the Israeli military has expanded the so-called “yellow line” in eastern Gaza over the past 24 hours, particularly in the neighborhoods of Tufa, Shujayeh and Zeitoun in eastern Gaza City, squeezing Palestinians into smaller and smaller enclaves.
The Israeli army’s operation on Monday also pushed it closer to the main artery of Saladin Street, forcing displaced families who had taken shelter near the area to flee as Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza shows no sign of abating and more people are under serious threat.
Israel currently occupies more than 50% of the Gaza Strip.
Since the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli attacks have killed at least 414 Palestinians and injured 1,145 others. Daily violations of the armistice Although the United States brokered a ceasefire agreement on October 10.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported from Gaza City, “Israel’s continued ground attacks and the expansion of the ‘Yellow Line’ mean swallowing up more territory in the east, thus reducing the total area for people to take refuge.”
“Everyone is packed here. The population here has not only doubled, but tripled in many communities because none of these people have been able to return to their communities. We are talking about Zeitoun, Shujayea and Tuffah,” he added.
Mahmoud said: “The buzzing and buzzing of the drones had only died down in the past few minutes, but it continued last night and all day yesterday. The continuous explosions can be clearly heard from here.”
Heavy shelling and helicopter fire also resumed on Monday in areas south of the besieged enclave and north and east of the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
On Sunday, Israel launched more attacks in parts of Gaza outside its direct military control. At least Three Palestinians killed Medical sources told Al Jazeera that Israel carried out a separate attack in Khan Younis.
A five-story building belonging to the Shana family collapsed in the Magazi refugee camp in central Gaza. At the end of 2023, it was bombed by Israel.
Civil defense teams are searching for missing persons under the rubble. Wafa news agency reported that at least five people were injured.
Israel pushes for Rafah crossing to become ‘one-way exit’
Growing expectations for the possible reopening of the Rafah crossing have brought with it both desperate hope and deep fear.
For many in Gaza, the hope is that it will provide a lifeline, allowing the sick and wounded to receive medical care, reunite separated families and provide some with a rare opportunity to move in or out of the Strip. Some also see it as a potential sign of easing restrictions.
But the fear remains strong. Many fear the opening will be limited and temporary, benefiting only a few. Others worry it could become a one-way exit, raising concerns about permanent deportations, Israel’s virtual ethnic cleansing and whether those who leave will be allowed to return.
Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud reports: “So far, there has been no information other than the headlines we have read over the past few days, which now expect the Rafah crossing to be open within days and allow entry and exit into Gaza. So far, we know that the Israeli military is pushing for Rafah to be just a one-way exit.”
After months of uncertainty, the people of Gaza, who have suffered unimaginable loss and destruction, are becoming cautious. Even with the possibility of relief, it comes with questions and disbelief about what will happen next.
According to the latest data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 71,386 Palestinians have been killed and 171,264 injured since the war broke out in October 2023. At least 420 people have been killed since a ceasefire was agreed three months ago.
The Israeli military continues to block a flood of international humanitarian aid gathering at Gaza crossings while insisting there are No shortage of assistance This was despite the testimony of UN and other field staff.