Gazans Trapped by Bombardment Fear New Israeli Border Will Force Them from Homes

Tens of thousands of Gazans remain trapped in areas east of the so-called Israeli-controlled Yellow Line, fearing bombardment and forced displacement. More than two years after a devastating war, many still live in tents or damaged homes, with little access to food, water, or basic services. The fragile ceasefire since October 10 has done little to ease the sense of insecurity in these communities.

Umm Ahmed, 40, from Bani Suheila near Khan Yunis, described the constant fear gripping her family. “We don’t sleep at night because of fear. My children tremble at every explosion and ask, ‘Where can we go?’ And I have no answer,” she said. Her home was destroyed in earlier strikes, yet her family remains beside the ruins rather than moving west, where overcrowded makeshift camps already strain resources.

The Yellow Line, described by Israel’s army chief as a “new border,” separates Israeli positions from Palestinian areas. Palestinian officials view the line as a tool for permanent displacement, designed to intimidate residents and push them westward. Alaa al-Batta, mayor of Khan Yunis, called the bombardments violations of the ceasefire and warned of deliberate attempts to empty eastern neighborhoods.

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Mahmud Baraka, 45, from Khuzaa, recounted relentless artillery fire and home demolitions. “It feels like we are still living in a war zone. Explosions happen as if they are right next to us. The objective is clear: to intimidate and drive us out,” he said. Residents report feeling trapped, facing both the dangers of ongoing bombardments and the uncertainty of displacement.

Despite the threat, many refuse to leave their homes. Abdel Hamid, 70, who lives north of Khan Yunis with his five children, said, “We will not leave… this is our land. Moving would not be a solution, but yet another tragedy.” For Gazans east of the Yellow Line, the combination of ongoing conflict, overcrowding, and inadequate humanitarian support has created a dire and precarious situation.

The situation underscores the persistent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with residents caught between military operations and the threat of displacement. For tens of thousands, daily survival means living with fear, uncertainty, and the challenge of holding onto homes that have already been devastated by conflict.

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