For Gazans living under Israel's de facto buffer zone, the yellow line has become an unmarked reality that defines their lives. This makeshift boundary, first established in October as part of a ceasefire agreement, now spans nearly 60% of the devastated enclave, including entire cities like Rafah and Beit Hanoon.
Behind the 1.5km to 6.5km stretch of concrete blocks, Zaid Mohammed and his family huddle in a small tent, sheltered from the constant threat of shelling and gunfire that erupts around the clock. The father of four lives with an ever-present fear – one that prevents him from moving even a few steps beyond the yellow line.
"This is our home now," Zaid explains, pointing towards the horizon where clouds of dust rise from nearby explosions. "Israeli soldiers are only a few hundred metres away. We can hear bulldozers leveling homes or farmland, it's a constant danger."
Residents near the yellow line report frequent wake-up calls as gunfire and small explosions reverberate through the night, creating an atmosphere of perpetual darkness. The sound of drones overhead adds to the tension as tanks are positioned near the barriers.
The demarcation line is not just a physical barrier but also a psychological one, shaping daily life with its invisible rules. Without clear markers or signage, Palestinians must rely on instinct and memory to navigate this treacherous landscape.
A neighborhood that once felt safe can become perilous overnight, as families are forced to flee homes still standing yet no longer livable. Many have been displaced multiple times, leaving them traumatized and anxious.
The yellow line is more than just a military zone; it's an ever-shifting reality that defines where people live, move, and dare to rebuild. While the physical barrier may not be visible, its impact is deeply ingrained in daily life – taking a toll on livelihoods, particularly for farmers who can see their land but cannot reach it.
The Israeli military's chief of staff described the yellow line as "a new border line," leaving Israel firmly in control of nearly 60% of Gaza. But for those living within this zone, it's not just a physical boundary – it's an existential one, defining their every move and decision.
Behind the 1.5km to 6.5km stretch of concrete blocks, Zaid Mohammed and his family huddle in a small tent, sheltered from the constant threat of shelling and gunfire that erupts around the clock. The father of four lives with an ever-present fear – one that prevents him from moving even a few steps beyond the yellow line.
"This is our home now," Zaid explains, pointing towards the horizon where clouds of dust rise from nearby explosions. "Israeli soldiers are only a few hundred metres away. We can hear bulldozers leveling homes or farmland, it's a constant danger."
Residents near the yellow line report frequent wake-up calls as gunfire and small explosions reverberate through the night, creating an atmosphere of perpetual darkness. The sound of drones overhead adds to the tension as tanks are positioned near the barriers.
The demarcation line is not just a physical barrier but also a psychological one, shaping daily life with its invisible rules. Without clear markers or signage, Palestinians must rely on instinct and memory to navigate this treacherous landscape.
A neighborhood that once felt safe can become perilous overnight, as families are forced to flee homes still standing yet no longer livable. Many have been displaced multiple times, leaving them traumatized and anxious.
The yellow line is more than just a military zone; it's an ever-shifting reality that defines where people live, move, and dare to rebuild. While the physical barrier may not be visible, its impact is deeply ingrained in daily life – taking a toll on livelihoods, particularly for farmers who can see their land but cannot reach it.
The Israeli military's chief of staff described the yellow line as "a new border line," leaving Israel firmly in control of nearly 60% of Gaza. But for those living within this zone, it's not just a physical boundary – it's an existential one, defining their every move and decision.