The Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza has remained under an intense Israeli siege for four consecutive days, as Israeli forces escalate military actions in the area, leading to dozens of deaths, injuries, and a mass exodus of residents, according to Palestinian sources and eyewitnesses.
Palestinian security officials reported that the Israeli army has enforced a blockade on the Jabalia area, cutting off access to essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid. Several hospitals in northern Gaza are also surrounded by Israeli forces, with raids being conducted in their vicinity.
On Sunday, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed the “encirclement” of Jabalia, which followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of armed groups and infrastructure linked to Hamas, as well as efforts to rebuild terrorist networks in the area.
Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday targeted a school and a hospital housing displaced people, in addition to bombings on the camp and nearby homes. Military vehicles also reportedly fired on a group of Palestinians, including journalists, according to local sources.
The media office run by Hamas in Gaza accused the Israeli army of committing “crimes” against civilians, particularly in Jabalia. More than 125 people have been killed since Sunday, with many bodies still lying on the streets, inaccessible due to ongoing violence. The office called for immediate international intervention to protect civilians.
In one of the attacks, Israeli forces targeted a crew from the Hamas-run al-Aqsa Satellite Channel, killing cameraman Mohammed al-Tanani and critically wounding reporter Tamer Lobad.
This marks the third large-scale Israeli military operation in northern Gaza, with efforts to push residents to flee south. Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, noted on social media that over 400,000 people are now trapped in northern Gaza, many of whom refuse to evacuate, knowing that nowhere in Gaza is safe.
Israel’s ongoing offensive follows a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, along Israel’s southern border, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of approximately 250 hostages.
