Israeli tanks advanced further into northern Gaza on Monday, encroaching on two towns and a historic refugee camp, leaving around 100,000 civilians trapped, according to Palestinian emergency services. This military operation aims to eliminate regrouping Hamas militants.
The Israeli military claimed to have apprehended around 100 suspected Hamas militants during a raid on Kamal Adwan hospital in the Jabalia camp, which Hamas and medical personnel denied had any militant presence.
The Gaza Strip’s health ministry reported at least 19 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes and bombardments, with 13 occurring in northern Gaza. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service stated that approximately 100,000 individuals were stranded in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, lacking access to medical care and food. However, Reuters could not independently verify these figures.
Emergency operations have largely ceased due to the ongoing three-week Israeli assault, which the military claims has eliminated viable Hamas combat forces in the area.
Meanwhile, U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari-led talks to negotiate a ceasefire resumed on Sunday after previous attempts failed. Egypt’s president suggested a temporary two-day truce to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for some Palestinian prisoners, followed by discussions on a permanent ceasefire within ten days. No official statements were made by Israel or Hamas, both of whom maintain conflicting demands for peace.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated tensions throughout the Middle East, raising concerns about broader instability, especially as Israeli forces have moved into southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah’s missile attacks in support of Hamas. This situation has also resulted in rare direct confrontations between Israel and Iran, particularly following Israeli airstrikes targeting missile sites in Iran in retaliation for a recent missile attack on Israel.
As for healthcare in Gaza, the region’s hospitals are struggling to operate amid the conflict. At least two hospitals have been damaged by Israeli fire and are running out of essential medical supplies. Reports indicate that a doctor, a nurse, and two child patients have died due to lack of treatment.
Kamal Adwan Hospital reportedly has only one pediatrician left after Israeli forces detained or expelled other medical staff. The Israeli military claims that during the raid, they found weapons and apprehended militants who were attempting to escape.
Residents in northern Gaza say that Israeli forces are besieging shelters and schools for displaced families, forcing them to evacuate before rounding up men and directing women and children towards Gaza City and the south.
Despite the ongoing assaults, many families have opted to remain in Gaza City, fearing permanent displacement. Some residents expressed despair, stating they had written their death notices due to the relentless bombardment.
One Jabalia resident lamented, “While the world discusses ceasefires, the Israeli occupation is devastating north Gaza.” They believe neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Giora Eiland, a former security chief, can displace them from their homes.
Eiland’s controversial plan, which proposed clearing northern Gaza of civilians to starve out surviving Hamas fighters, has led to accusations that the current military strategy aligns with his vision. Although the Israeli military denies any such plan, it maintains that its operations comply with international law and target militants using civilians as shields, a claim Hamas rejects.
Following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants, which killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages, the Israeli ground offensive has severely impacted northern Gaza. Despite intense military operations, Hamas continues to engage in hit-and-run attacks against Israeli forces.
As of the latest update, the Gaza health ministry reports that the death toll from Israeli retaliatory actions has reached 43,020, with vast areas of the densely populated enclave reduced to rubble.
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