The United Nations human rights office has raised alarm over the killing of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces near the armistice line with Hamas, stating that such actions could constitute war crimes. According to data shared with Reuters, roughly one-third of the approximately 900 Palestinians killed since the October ceasefire occurred in areas adjacent to the military's demarcated boundary.
Details of the UN Report
The UN verified 453 killings between the ceasefire and February 5, of which 152 took place near the so-called 'yellow line' that marks the armistice boundary. Among the victims were 102 men, 15 women, 24 boys, and 11 girls. Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory, described the pattern as alarming, noting that civilians appeared to have been shot while carrying out daily activities or simply for approaching the line.
'The available information raises serious concerns that the Israeli army is shooting at and killing presumed civilians simply on the basis of their proximity to the so-called yellow line, which would amount to unlawful killings and thus war crimes,' Sunghay said. He added that the boundary's location is often unclear to Palestinians, as it shifts frequently and is not clearly marked.
Israel's Expanding Zone of Control
Since the truce, Israel has expanded its restricted zone of control, now covering nearly two-thirds of Gaza. This has heightened fears among displaced Palestinians living in tent encampments and damaged homes near the line that they may become military targets. Israeli officials describe these areas as 'buffer zones' to prevent militant attacks, following the October 7, 2023 assault that sparked the conflict.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the allegations but has previously stated that its actions near the armistice line are aimed at thwarting militant threats. The ceasefire has not halted Israeli attacks, with two Hamas leaders killed in the past two weeks. Overall, Gaza health authorities report some 900 Palestinian deaths since the truce, while four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in the same period.
