Israeli forces have escalated their military campaign in Gaza, pushing deep into the ruins of Jabalia refugee camp in the north and advancing into Rafah in the south. The intensified fighting has led to a massive displacement of people, with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes.
Key Points:
- Israeli forces claim to have dismantled Hamas in Jabalia, but Palestinians argue that the need to return to earlier battlegrounds proves Israel’s military objectives are unattainable.
- The fighting has devastated the enclave, causing a severe humanitarian crisis, with the Gaza health ministry warning of a medical system collapse due to a fuel shortage.
- Israel’s operations in Rafah have closed a main crossing point for aid, exacerbating the humanitarian situation, with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes.
- The Gaza health authority has appealed for international pressure to reopen access via the southern border to allow in aid and medical supplies.
- The Palestinian death toll has surpassed 35,000, with 57 killed in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza health officials.
Fighting and Displacement:
- Tanks have pushed towards the heart of Jabalia, with residents fleeing along rubble-strewn streets.
- Airstrikes have destroyed clusters of houses, and health officials have recovered 20 bodies of Palestinians killed in overnight airstrikes.
- In Rafah, Israeli forces have ordered residents out of the east and central areas, sending hundreds of thousands of people fleeing in search of safety.
- The UN estimates that about 360,000 people have fled Rafah since the Israeli military gave its first evacuation order a week ago.
International Response:
- The US has paused some deliveries of weapons to Israel due to concerns over the assault on Rafah.
- Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s office said he had briefed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the “precise operation” in the Rafah area.
- The UN has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe and appealed for a ceasefire.
Humanitarian Crisis:
- The Gaza health ministry has warned of a medical system collapse due to a fuel shortage.
- The World Food Programme estimates that 300,000 people trapped in the devastated region are experiencing a “full-blown famine” due to a lack of aid deliveries.
- The UN has appealed for a fixed corridor to allow aid to reach those in need.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with a worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing displacement of people. International efforts to address the situation are ongoing, but a lasting resolution remains elusive.
