Israel’s forces have pushed deeper into Gaza’s northern towns of Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, encircling nearly 100,000 civilians, according to reports from the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service on Monday. The incursion aims to dismantle Hamas strongholds in the region, according to Israel’s military. Civilians now face dire shortages of medical supplies and food as access to resources becomes increasingly limited due to the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces reported the arrest of over 100 alleged Hamas operatives following a raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Jabalia camp. Hamas and local medical personnel deny any militant presence within the hospital facilities. The intensified military presence has strained emergency services, which have largely ceased operations in northern Gaza due to heightened conflict.
The Gaza Strip’s health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling claimed at least 19 lives on Monday, with 13 fatalities occurring in the northern regions. This toll underscores the mounting civilian impact amid ongoing hostilities, as families and communities attempt to navigate life under siege in war-torn areas.
Attempts At Ceasefire Negotiations
Efforts to establish a temporary ceasefire have renewed, led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Over the weekend, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi proposed a two-day truce, suggesting an exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for detained Palestinians. These efforts would ideally pave the way for broader negotiations toward a lasting ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that discussions in Doha considered previous diplomatic proposals and evolving regional dynamics. However, despite these efforts, Israel maintains that military operations will continue until Hamas is decisively dismantled, while Hamas insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a precondition for any truce.
The conflict has spurred wider regional tensions, with Israel expanding its offensive to include airstrikes across Lebanon, particularly targeting Hezbollah in southern regions. This escalation has raised global concerns, particularly about oil supply stability as neighboring nations respond to the growing unrest.
This weekend also marked a new phase in the Israel-Iran confrontation, as Israeli airstrikes targeted missile facilities in Iran, reportedly in retaliation for an October missile strike from Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned on Monday that it would “respond with all available measures” to the Israeli attacks, suggesting further possible escalations.
Israeli Airstrikes Strike Lebanon’s Tyre Region
Israel’s ongoing air campaign has severely impacted Lebanon, with recent strikes on Tyre killing seven people. On Monday, Israel expanded its evacuation orders in Tyre, affecting large areas, including those not previously targeted. The Israeli military claims the bombings aim to neutralize Hezbollah weapon caches and facilities used for launching anti-tank missiles.
In response, Hezbollah has carried out attacks on Israeli military installations, striking targets both within Israel and along the border region. The ongoing violence has forced residents to evacuate southern Lebanon towns, transforming once-thriving communities into ghost towns.
Desperation And Survival In North Gaza
In northern Gaza, three major hospitals are reportedly operating under extreme duress. These hospitals, which declined evacuation orders, are dealing with a lack of medical supplies, food, and fuel. Multiple deaths have occurred in these facilities over the past week due to limited treatment options.
Israeli forces have also ordered civilians to vacate schools and shelters, pushing families to leave northern Gaza for Gaza City or more southern areas. Many residents are reluctant to relocate permanently, fearing they may never return to their homes if they move too far south.
Amid renewed discussions of a temporary ceasefire, residents of northern Gaza remain skeptical, expressing frustration over the lack of international intervention and relief.
“While the world debates a few days of ceasefire, the occupation forces are destroying the north,” a Jabalia resident shared through an online messaging app.
The Israeli military insists that its operations align with international law and maintains that Hamas fighters are using civilian areas as shields, a claim Hamas disputes.
An Unrelenting Conflict
Since the latest escalation following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, northern Gaza has been at the heart of the conflict. Despite the Israeli onslaught, Hamas forces continue to mount counterattacks, using guerilla tactics to engage Israeli troops.
The humanitarian toll continues to climb, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 43,000 casualties in Gaza to date. Meanwhile, Israel cites the October 7 assault as resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken. The prolonged and intense conflict leaves the region and its people awaiting reprieve amid efforts for peace and international diplomacy.
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