Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, expressed grave concerns about the dire situation in northern Gaza, stating on X, “No end to hell.”
He reported that at least 400,000 individuals remain trapped in the region, many of whom are disregarding evacuation orders due to the pervasive belief that no area within the Gaza Strip offers safety.
Palestinian sources have indicated that a recent Israeli airstrike on Jabalia, located in northern Gaza, resulted in numerous fatalities. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, one specific strike claimed the lives of 15 individuals, targeting a hospital courtyard and tents used by displaced persons.
The Israeli military has stated that it is currently verifying these claims.
Since the morning, reports suggest that at least 60 people, including a journalist, have lost their lives in the vicinity, with WAFA citing medical authorities. However, this information remains unverified by independent sources.
Local officials have noted that the Israeli military has been engaged in operations in the area for five consecutive days. Lazzarini also highlighted that these military actions pose a threat to ongoing polio vaccination efforts.
Just days prior, the Israeli army initiated a renewed ground incursion into northern Gaza, asserting that the Islamist group Hamas is attempting to regroup in the Jabalia region.
The hostilities in Gaza were ignited by an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Hamas and its allies on October 7, 2023, during which over 1,200 individuals were killed and approximately 250 others were abducted into the Gaza Strip. Since that time, Israel has been conducting military operations aimed at dismantling Hamas both as a militant group and a political entity. (dpa/NAN)
