Intensified Bombardment in Northern Gaza
Israeli forces unleashed a series of airstrikes on the northern Gaza town of Jabaliya on Saturday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 33 lives and leaving dozens more injured, according to reports from a Palestinian emergency services organization. This onslaught comes as Israel has encircled Jabaliya for over a week, aiming to dismantle Hamas fighters who are believed to have regrouped in the area.
In a concerning development, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that approximately 20,000 Palestinians have evacuated the neighborhood since Friday amid the relentless bombardment. Compounding the crisis, Paltel, Gaza’s largest telecommunications provider, announced a complete internet blackout in northern Gaza, further isolating the area.
Escalation of Conflict in Lebanon
Simultaneously, violence escalated in Lebanon on Saturday, with the Israeli military conducting airstrikes on several locations outside Beirut, enveloping the region in clouds of dust and destruction. This upsurge in attacks followed several days of relative calm and coincided with Hezbollah’s warning of “a new and escalating phase” in its ongoing conflict with Israel.
Impact on Healthcare Facilities in Gaza
In Gaza, the Health Ministry reported that Israeli forces targeted the entrance of the laboratory at Kamal Adwan Hospital, a key medical facility near Jabaliya. This attack resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to several others. The ministry has raised alarms about a severe crisis facing hospitals in Gaza, attributing it to critical fuel shortages and a dire lack of essential medicines and medical supplies.
Additionally, Israeli forces have been active near the Indonesian Hospital, a medical center located on Jabaliya’s northern outskirts and funded by charitable organizations from Indonesia. Reports indicate that Israeli troops fired gunshots and artillery in the vicinity of the hospital, where more than 40 patients are currently receiving care. While the Israeli military did not directly address the ministry’s claims, they asserted that there had been no “intentional fire” directed at the medical facility.