Israeli forces expand occupation east of Gaza City, forcing Palestinians to migrate again.

.DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE - JULY 27, 2026: The Israeli army expanded the area it occupies east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip by moving the concrete blocks marking the "Yellow Line" farther into the city. Dozens of Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes as the danger zone moved closer. Local sources and witnesses said the Israeli army moved the yellow concrete blocks marking the "Yellow Line," established under the ceasefire agreement, dozens of meters westward along Salah al-Din Road. Salim Ebu Acin, who was forced to migrate from the area, said the Israeli army had advanced overnight and ordered residents to evacuate their homes and tents. Ebu Acin said the Israeli army had advanced approximately 450 meters beyond the "Yellow Line." He claimed the army was not adhering to the ceasefire, saying it continued to open fire and carry out attacks, and was extending the "Yellow Line" toward areas where Palestinians live. Residents were reported to have found newly installed concrete blocks in front of their homes in the morning, raising concerns that the Israeli army would further expand the area under its occupation. The “Yellow Line” is a virtual line defined under ceasefire understandings reached in October 2025. It is marked by yellow concrete blocks and separates areas from which the Israeli army withdrew from those it still occupies in the Gaza Strip. Despite the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, the Israeli army has continued its daily attacks in Gaza, killing at least 1,203 Palestinians and injuring 3,900 others. ​​​​​​​The ceasefire agreement was reached after two years of genocide launched by Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, which has caused widespread destruction affecting 90% of civilian infrastructure, with reconstruction costs estimated by the UN at around $70 billion.