Israel stepped up its military offensive in northern Gaza on Friday, sending additional troops to support operations in Jabaliya, the largest refugee camp in Gaza’s history. Residents reported that Israeli tanks drove into the center of the camp, destroying roads and homes with heavy air and ground fire.
The Israeli military has been targeting Jabaliya for more than two weeks, claiming to have killed dozens of Hamas militants and dismantled military infrastructure in close combat on Thursday. According to residents, Israeli forces use aerial bombardments, ground strikes and long-range explosions to destroy homes every day.
Communications were cut off from Jabaliya and nearby towns late Friday, hampering rescue efforts and preventing residents from seeking help. Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 30 Palestinian deaths on Friday, many in northern Gaza, as Israeli attacks continued.
Israel steps up action after Thursday’s announcement They killed Hamas leader Yahya SinwarAccused of planning the deadly attack on Israel on October 7. The military’s ongoing operation in Jabaliya is aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping.
The northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya have been effectively separated from Gaza City, with movements limited to families evacuated under Israeli orders.
Crisis intensifies in northern Gaza hospitals
Health officials issued an emergency appeal on Friday for fuel, medical supplies and food to be provided to hospitals in northern Gaza where casualties have been devastated. Kamal Adwan Hospital was one of three hospitals severely affected and was forced to move children from intensive care units to make room for seriously injured adults. Prior to this, an Israeli airstrike killed 28 people in a Jabaliya school housing displaced civilians.
While Israel sent 30 truckloads of aid, including food and medical supplies, to northern Gaza on Friday, Gaza officials said the aid had yet to reach the hardest-hit areas of Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun.
Despite Israeli orders, doctors at hospitals in the north, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, Al Awada Hospital and Indonesian Hospital, refused to evacuate and continued to care for patients with dwindling supplies.
(With information from Reuters)