By Israeli forces have intensified their military operations in northern Gaza, particularly in the Jabalia refugee camp, leading to widespread destruction, civilian displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The campaign, which began over two weeks ago, has seen Israeli troops storming shelters, detaining men, and besieging hospitals in the area.
On Monday, residents and medical personnel reported that Israeli forces were blowing up homes and surrounding schools and shelters for displaced people in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s eight historic refugee camps. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as troops rounded up men and ordered women to leave the camp.
At the Indonesian Hospital, medics told Reuters that Israeli troops stormed a nearby school, detaining men before setting the facility on fire. The blaze reportedly reached the hospital’s generators, causing a power outage. Health officials at the hospital stated they refused orders from the Israeli army to evacuate, citing their responsibility to care for patients.
Similar reports emerged from the Kamal Adwan Hospital, where staff reported heavy Israeli fire in the vicinity during the night. Hadeel Obeid, a supervising nurse at the Indonesian Hospital, described dire conditions, with dwindling medical supplies, no water, and a lack of food for the fourth consecutive day.
The United Nations expressed growing concern over the situation, stating it has been unable to reach the three hospitals in northern Gaza. The UN Human Rights Office warned that the manner of Israeli military operations, including interference with humanitarian assistance and forced displacement orders, may be causing the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza’s northernmost governorate.
Palestinian health officials reported 18 people killed in Jabalia and eight elsewhere in Gaza due to Israeli strikes. The Israeli military stated that troops were continuing ground operations across the Gaza Strip, dismantling militant infrastructure and tunnel shafts, and killing fighters in the Jabalia area.
The intensification of military campaigns in both Gaza and Lebanon follows the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, which had initially raised hopes for potential ceasefire talks. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, but the campaign has resulted in widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 1.9 million people left homeless.
Hamas has accused Israel of carrying out acts of “genocide and ethnic cleansing” against the people of northern Gaza to force them to leave. The militant group claims its fighters have attacked Israeli forces with anti-tank rockets, mortar fire, and pre-planted explosives.
The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 42,500 deaths and an estimated 10,000 more uncounted dead believed to be under the rubble. The international community continues to express concern over the humanitarian situation and the mounting civilian casualties.
As the conflict escalates, the focus remains on the urgent need for humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. The situation in northern Gaza, particularly around hospitals and refugee camps, remains critical as international organizations call for immediate action to address the growing humanitarian disaster.
