UN accuses Israel of encroaching on Gaza, shrinking Palestinian areas

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has accused Israel of systematically encroaching on Gaza's territory, effectively shrinking the areas controlled by Palestinians. Thameen al-Kheetan, an OHCHR spokesperson, stated at a press conference in Geneva that Israel is constantly shifting the "yellow line" that divides Gaza into Palestinian and Israeli-controlled zones.

Al-Kheetan asserted that the Israeli military appears to "routinely shoot at Palestinians to ensure increased presence in the area around the line," which he described as a "persistent threat to life" and a violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The "yellow line" was established following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. Initially, it demarcated 47 percent of Gaza for Palestinian control and 53 percent for Israeli military control.

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It constitutes a persistent threat to life, as the Israeli military appears to routinely shoot at Palestinians to ensure increased presence in the area around the line in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law

Despite the ceasefire, the UN reports that at least 57 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks between July 13 and July 20. The organization views these recent attacks as an escalation, noting that "nine months after the announcement of the ceasefire, there are still no safe places for Palestinians in Gaza."

Israel's military has stated it conducted strikes against members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, targeting individuals involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel or in holding hostages. They also claim to have attacked a weapons depot, a weapons factory, and a rocket launchpad. However, the UN claims these attacks have impacted residential properties, a refugee tent camp, and other densely populated areas.

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nine months after the announcement of the ceasefire, there are still no safe places for Palestinians in Gaza