Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jul 28: Israel is continuing to expand its control over the Gaza Strip by moving yellow concrete barriers deeper into the territory, further restricting civilian movement and triggering fresh displacement, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Citing Palestinian sources, the report said the barriers are being pushed further west, reducing the areas available for civilians and forcing more families to flee.

The latest expansion reportedly took place over the past 24 hours east of Gaza City near Salah al-Din Road.

The report said the move is aimed at increasing military pressure on Hamas while creating wider security zones to protect Israeli forces operating in the area and nearby Israeli communities.

According to the newspaper, the operation began several weeks ago and is expected to continue, with newly occupied areas gradually becoming part of what Israel refers to as "yellow zones".

A resident living near Salah al-Din Road said Israeli forces had moved the barriers closer to an area where many displaced families had been sheltering.

"Last night, the army moved the yellow barriers closer to an area where many displaced families were staying. As a result, many families were forced to flee for their lives after the area became extremely dangerous and vulnerable to attacks, as happened in Shuja'iyya and Zeitoun," the resident was quoted as saying.

The reported expansion comes as fighting continues across the Gaza Strip, with concerns growing over the humanitarian situation and the displacement of civilians.