In the line of fire near the Yellow Line.. the Shaldan family faces loss and destruction with a tent and memories
The Shaldan family, living in a tent near the Yellow Line south of Gaza's Zeitoun neighborhood, faces loss and destruction after their home was demolished during an Israeli incursion in July 2025. Motassem lost his child Ahmad, his father, and his sister, while his brother Muhammad lost his son Anas. Their mother Salwa, battling cancer, awaits travel for treatment. The family clings to staying beside their destroyed home as a message of steadfastness despite the lack of services.
The Shaldan family, residing in a worn-out tent near the Yellow Line south of Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood, faces loss and destruction after the occupation demolished their five-story home during an Israeli incursion in July 2025. Motassem Shaldan lost his child Ahmad (5 years old), who was killed in an Israeli strike in the Asqula area in December 2023, in addition to his father and his sister, who was killed along with seven of her family members. His brother Muhammad also lost his son Anas (16 years old), who was killed after a drone targeted them on his birthday. Their mother Salwa, battling cancer, awaits travel for treatment outside the Strip but faces Israeli restrictions. The family lives amid a lack of basic services including water, medical facilities, and schools, with drones flying overhead and the risk of gunfire, and they accuse international institutions of negligence. Motassem says their staying beside their destroyed home is a "message of steadfastness," despite the harsh conditions.