The United Nations has officially condemned the significant civilian casualties resulting from recent Israeli operations in northern Gaza. This statement follows reports indicating at least 10 fatalities due to artillery fire that struck a food distribution center in the Jabalia refugee camp, amidst ongoing military actions in the region.
According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, shells impacted both the interior and exterior of the food center on Monday morning, as desperate civilians sought access to food handouts. The Israeli military has stated that it is currently reviewing the incident, asserting that its operations are solely targeted at “terror objectives.”
Since the commencement of this military offensive aimed at eliminating Hamas fighters nine days ago, casualty numbers have soared, with hundreds reportedly killed. In light of the escalating conflict, the UN reported that over 50,000 individuals have fled the Jabalia area. However, many remain trapped in their homes, enduring intensified bombardments.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the necessity for the protection of civilians, condemning the high civilian casualty rate amid the Israeli campaign, particularly in educational institutions that are sheltering displaced Palestinians.
The ongoing offensive has severely disrupted essential services, including the closure of water wells, bakeries, and medical facilities, along with the suspension of humanitarian aid, including malnutrition treatments. Furthermore, the UN stated that it has been unable to deliver vital supplies since October 1 due to the closure of border crossings.
In a recent development, the Israeli military reported that a convoy of aid vehicles entered through a crossing south of Gaza City. This comes after diplomatic discussions highlighted the urgent need to restore access for humanitarian aid in northern Gaza.
Military officials have urged residents of Jabalia and surrounding areas to evacuate to designated “humanitarian areas” in southern Gaza. However, many of the approximately 400,000 Palestinians in the northern region express reluctance to leave, fearing they will not be permitted to return.
Concerns have emerged that the Israeli military may be pursuing a systematic plan to depopulate the north of civilians while besieging remaining Hamas fighters until they release hostages taken during the unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023. Israeli forces have denied this, asserting that they aim to ensure civilian safety amid military operations.
In a recent targeted strike, four individuals lost their lives when Israeli aircraft hit a tent camp for displaced citizens near al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The military claimed this was a precision strike against a terrorist operational center, though civilian injuries and damages have been reported.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, more than 20 fatalities were reported at a UN-run school serving as a shelter for displaced families in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Severe damage at this facility has hindered vital vaccination campaigns in Gaza, marking a significant public health concern.
Health officials are currently mobilizing efforts to vaccinate around 590,000 children under 10 in response to a recent polio outbreak, exacerbated by ongoing violence that disrupts humanitarian efforts. UN officials advocate for the recognition of humanitarian pauses to facilitate safe vaccination amidst the ongoing military operations.
Israel’s military campaign is a response to a surprise attack by Hamas that resulted in substantial casualties and hostages on October 7, 2023. Since then, devastating reports indicate that over 42,280 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
