Israeli forces have deepened their operations in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, causing significant destruction with tank and air bombardments. Residents reported that the Israeli military demolished residential areas and cleared properties with bulldozers near the local market. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes killed at least five people in the southern city of Rafah.
The concurrent Israeli assaults on both the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip this month have led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The restricted flow of aid has heightened the risk of famine among the population.
In Jabalia, a camp established 75 years ago for displaced civilians, the Israeli army’s recent operations have left many bodies trapped under rubble, according to health authorities and Gaza’s Civil Emergency Service. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by ongoing hostilities.
Residents like Abu El-Nasser, who fled to Gaza City, described the relentless bombardment and the desperate need for safety over food. The Gaza health ministry reported over 35,000 Palestinian fatalities in the eight-month conflict, with at least 10,000 more missing and presumed trapped under debris.
Israel aims to dismantle Hamas, which it accuses of rebuilding military operations in the area. The militant group had previously carried out an attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages taken.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated they have targeted and dismantled numerous “terror targets” across Gaza, including military sites and missile launchers. Medical officials reported that Israeli tanks have besieged Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia and attacked Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya.
Airstrikes in Jabalia, Khan Younis, and Rafah resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including children. The escalation has forced residents to flee in panic from towns like Khuzaa, following unexpected incursions by Israeli troops.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) estimated that over 800,000 people had fled to Rafah since the beginning of the month, despite international calls for restraint. The Israeli military continues its operations in Rafah, aiming to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions.
The Israeli military reported neutralising a terrorist threat near Khan Younis and discovering additional military equipment in the region. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction and a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
With Inputs From Reuters
