Gaza: A Palestinian human rights center warned that the Israeli occupation army has dangerously escalated its policy of using lethal force in the Gaza Strip, with civilians being shot directly for approaching or residing near the so-called "Yellow Line."

According to Qatar News Agency, the Gaza Center for Human Rights reported that the number of Palestinians martyred has exceeded 420 since the ceasefire began in October, including 151 children and 60 women, in addition to 1,184 wounded. The center explained that most of the casualties occurred within the area of the "Yellow Line," with numbers continuing to rise due to ongoing daily violations by occupation forces. These violations include direct sniper fire, attacks by armed reconnaissance drones, and artillery shelling, indicating a systematic use of lethal force against civilians.

The report highlighted that occupation forces have repeatedly expanded the areas under their control along the "Yellow Line," increasing from 53 percent to more than 60 percent over the past three weeks. This expansion has been marked by repositioning yellow concrete blocks, beyond which Palestinians are prohibited from crossing. Furthermore, the center documented continued demolition and bulldozing of civilian homes and properties within the zone, aimed at imposing a new demographic and security reality.

The rights center emphasized that these actions violate the ceasefire agreement, which is intended to halt hostilities, protect civilians, and facilitate the return of residents to their homes. Instead, the agreement is being used as a cover for continued territorial control by force. The center stressed that the conduct of soldiers aligns with public statements by the political and military leadership of the occupation, legitimizing firing on anyone approaching the line.

A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli entity, which came into effect on October 10 as part of a US initiative, was aimed at ending the war on Gaza. However, the Israeli occupation army's continuous shelling and attacks on residential areas have resulted in further deaths and injuries, worsening civilian suffering and hindering the return of displaced residents to their homes.