UNITED NATIONS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Increasing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, amid "Yellow Line" expansion, have forced Palestinians to flee homes, UN humanitarians said Monday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the high risks to civilians' safety and well-being continued across Gaza over the weekend. Reports indicated multiple incidents of airstrikes, shelling and gunfire in populated areas across most governorates.
OCHA said that on Friday, an airstrike struck the yard of a UN school in Jabalia Camp, used to shelter displaced families, causing minor damage.
"Also on Friday, in eastern Gaza City, dozens of families were displaced after Israeli troops placed yellow cement blocks that signalled further expansion of the so-called 'Yellow Line' to the west," the office said. "Over the weekend, people who remained near the area reported that insecurity is increasing the pressure on them to leave."
OCHA said that its humanitarian partners reported that many of the newly displaced families left without their tents or belongings. Some are now staying with relatives and friends. To help them, humanitarian teams have activated the joint UN-run response mechanism that provides rapid support for families affected by sudden developments.
The office said that since the line was introduced in October 2025, it has been used to mark the area within the strip where Israeli forces restrict access. The area has been expanded multiple times by placing yellow blocks.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that Israeli forces have killed Palestinians apparently for being too close to that line.
Regarding humanitarian access, OCHA said that Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem is the only entry point for approved supplies. Combined with construction works that took place there over the weekend, it has resulted in a major bottleneck.
OCHA said that bans on specific critical items remain in place, including power generators and spare parts. Recent negotiations with Israeli authorities have led to the unblocking of certain other items, including some needed to identify malnutrition. ■
