An Israeli airstrike has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 33 individuals, including 21 women, at a refugee camp in northern Gaza, according to local authorities. The incident at Jabalia comes amid an ongoing siege by Israeli forces that has lasted for weeks.
While Israel has not commented on the attack, the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has sparked discussions about the potential for de-escalation in the region. However, Hamas officials have asserted that the group would emerge stronger from the conflict.
US President Joe Biden has indicated a possibility of pursuing a ceasefire in Lebanon, where confrontations with Hezbollah are ongoing, but expressed that achieving a similar outcome in Gaza will be more challenging. His remarks were made following discussions in Berlin with European leaders.
The Gaza health ministry has reported that the airstrike not only resulted in fatalities but also injured over 85 people, some critically. Residential buildings belonging to three families in the camp were destroyed, and the death toll may rise as rescuers continue searching for survivors amid the rubble.
Independent verification of the casualty figures is complicated due to disrupted telecommunications and internet services in northern Gaza. Videos circulating online reportedly show deceased individuals laid out at al-Awda Hospital, where medical staff reported an overwhelming influx of casualties. Hospital officials stated that emergency responders are still working to recover the deceased and wounded from the scene.
Prior to this latest attack, at least 39 Palestinians had lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes, according to local sources. Approximately 400,000 individuals have been trapped in Jabalia under dire conditions, facing severe shortages of food and water.
Georgios Petropoulos, head of the UN’s Office for Humanitarian Assistance, described the situation in Jabalia as desperate, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid. Although Israel claimed to have delivered essential supplies to northern Gaza, local health officials contradicted this, stating that aid has not reached the most affected areas.
Israeli officials have insisted that they are not obstructing humanitarian efforts, but have also acknowledged the blockade in parts of northern Gaza, including Jabalia. An Israeli minister defended this approach as compliant with international law.
Since the onset of the ongoing conflict last year, authorities in Gaza claim that over 42,500 people have died, with casualties continuing to mount. The 7 October attack by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza. Hamas has stated that the return of Israeli hostages is contingent on the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Yahya Sinwar, who was linked to the October assault on Israel, was killed during a firefight in Rafah, as confirmed by the Israeli military. Reports indicate he sustained fatal injuries during the confrontation.
