Israeli tanks advanced into two towns and a historic refugee camp in northern Gaza on Monday, trapping approximately 100,000 civilians, according to the Palestinian emergency service. This military action aims to target regrouping Hamas militants, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
In a raid at the Kamal Adwan hospital in the Jabalia camp, Israeli soldiers apprehended around 100 suspected Hamas militants, a claim denied by Hamas and medical personnel, who asserted there were no militants present at the facility.
Also Read: Five Dead, 10 Injured in Israeli Strikes on Tyre, Lebanon
The Gaza Strip’s health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes and bombardments killed at least 19 people on Monday, with 13 fatalities occurring in northern Gaza. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service indicated that around 100,000 people were isolated in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, lacking essential medical and food supplies. Verification of these figures by Reuters remains unconfirmed.
Emergency service operations have been significantly hindered due to the ongoing Israeli offensive, which has lasted three weeks. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire resumed, with Egypt’s president proposing a two-day truce to facilitate the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, followed by discussions for a permanent ceasefire.
The conflict has escalated tensions across the Middle East, prompting Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel. This situation has also led to direct confrontations between Israel and Iran, with Israeli airstrikes targeting missile sites in Iran in response to prior Iranian missile fire directed at Israel.
Hospitals in northern Gaza, which resisted Israeli evacuation orders, reported minimal operations due to damage and shortages of medical supplies. The Gaza health ministry stated that only one pediatrician remained at Kamal Adwan Hospital following the detention of other medical staff.
As the conflict continues, residents of northern Gaza face dire conditions, with many expressing despair over the ongoing bombardments and the fear of permanent displacement. The ongoing violence has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with the death toll from the conflict exceeding 43,000, according to the Gaza health ministry.
