Thousands more Palestinians are still trying to recover, living in makeshift tent cities throughout Gaza, reeling from the recent war’s devastation. In the east of Deir Al Balah, families like that of Nasser Al Najjar grapple with uncertainty as they reside in makeshift accommodations. These yellow concrete blocks have created a militarized border that divides the Gaza Strip, placed there by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This self-perpetuating divide further complicates and puts up barriers for so many who need to go home. The line symbolizes much more than a geographic or political barrier. This points towards a potential separation into two different territories in Gaza, as the situation remains tenuous.
In doing so, the plight of their communities has garnered international attention. This is notable particularly in the context of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent peace proposal, which conditions reconstruction on disarming Hamas and returning hostages. While discussions are ongoing, the reality on the ground for so many is still devastating.
Life in Tent Cities
His brother, Nasser Al Najjar and his eight children now live in a makeshift tent camp in central Gaza. To overcome adversity every day, just to get the basic things you need. As with the thousands others, they have lost their access to their homes. The danger has been made stark by the recent conflict and resulting creation of a separation line.
“Beyond the yellow line, or to be more precise it is a red line that you can’t cross, and therefore we can’t go there,” – Nasser Al Najjar
Al Najjar’s former home was a bustling five-floor building of 250 square meters. Now, it sits in ashes after a ruinous peace missile attack. He shares a deep desire to go back to what his life used to be, admitting,
“I would like to go back to the north, pitch a tent opposite my home, and live there. But that is not possible for us to do at all.” – Nasser Al Najjar
The tent cities in which many families now reside lack adequate resources, leaving residents vulnerable as they await potential reconstruction efforts.
The Impact of the Yellow Line
The yellow line separating Israeli-controlled areas from those accessible to Palestinians signifies more than just territorial control. It represents a profound division within the Strip. Over 51 percent of the total area of Gaza is still under Israeli control, leaving large parts of the territory off-limits to Palestinians.
Kamel Al Sheikh, who fled his home in Shejaiya shortly after the onset of war in October 2023, has not returned since. His home was also demolished during the war, leaving him with nowhere to live.
“My home was a 5-floor building, on 250 square meters — it’s now rubble, it was hit by missiles.” – Kamel Al Sheikh
When Al Sheikh speaks about the dangers of this division, it’s because so many of the displaced people are suffering today. The conditions under which many reside raise concerns about the future of Gaza and its inhabitants.
“More than 51 percent of the Gaza Strip is under the control of Israel, and that means that a large part of the population is suffering from displacement,” – Kamel Al Sheikh
He further cautions that underlying tensions might threaten a ceasefire before it has even begun, writing,
“This also means that the ingredients to explode the ceasefire agreement are there.” – Kamel Al Sheikh
Political Implications and Future Prospects
While these are the most important concerns, political leaders have commented on their vision for Gaza going forward. Israeli minister Avi Dichter recently said that reconstruction will start only after Hamas is “demilitarized.”
“So rebuilding will begin while [Hamas] are still equipped with military weapons? It’s not going [to] happen.” – Avi Dichter
Dichter goes on to underscore the precariousness of today’s ceasefire, indicating it won’t hold if violence flares up in a new hotspot.
“If it will be needed, this ceasefire can be disappeared within minutes — and it happened just two weeks ago,” – Avi Dichter
He is skeptical that the future reconstruction of Gaza as Western and Arab countries would like to see is feasible. Unfortunately, this concern deepens so long as Hamas continues to control the territory.
“I can’t believe that Gaza will be rebuilt the way that the Western countries and the Arab countries who are relevant for it think it should be, as long as Gaza Strip is dominated by Hamas directly or indirectly,” – Avi Dichter
Many residents remain uncertain about their future and how they will navigate life in a divided Gaza.
