A large-scale Israeli operation in northern Gaza has killed dozens of people and is on the verge of shutting down three hospitals, according to Palestinian officials and residents. The latest wave of violence has heightened the already dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. Heavy fighting is currently underway in Jabaliya, a refugee camp that has been the site of several major Israeli operations over the course of the war. The entire north, including Gaza City, has been subjected to heavy destruction and has been largely isolated by Israeli forces since late last year.
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 42,000, authorities said, with many more bodies likely still buried under rubble or trapped in areas inaccessible due to the destruction. The situation is dire, with residents of Jabaliya trapped in their homes, unable to escape the constant bombardment by Israeli jets and drones. Thousands of people are believed to be without access to basic necessities like food and water.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by the Israeli military’s decision to blockade all roads except the main highway leading from Jabaliya to the south, leaving residents with limited options for escaping the violence. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has evacuated seven schools that were being used as shelters and has reported that only two of eight water wells in the camp remain functional.
Fresh Israeli Strike Kills Dozens, Threatens Gaza Hospitals (Image via Getty)
Three hospitals in the north, including Kamal Adwan, Awda, and the Indonesian Hospital, are on the verge of collapse due to the fighting and a lack of humanitarian aid. The Gaza health ministry has ordered the hospitals to evacuate staff and patients, but with no aid entering the area since October 1, the situation is catastrophic. The Israeli military has rejected claims that it is deliberately targeting civilians, instead blaming Hamas for using residential areas for its military operations.
The ongoing violence has also had a devastating impact on the mental health of Gaza’s children, with many recalling terrifying moments of fleeing their homes amid the escalating violence. UNICEF has reported that children are living in unimaginable fear and trauma, and above all, they need a ceasefire. The international community must act to bring an end to the senseless violence and destruction in Gaza.
The conflict began over a year ago when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. The Israeli military has since carried out a devastating campaign, killing over 42,000 Palestinians and causing widespread destruction across the territory. The situation is dire, and it is imperative that the international community comes together to bring an end to the violence and restore hope to the people of Gaza.
