International
33 Killed After Israeli Airstrike Hits Jabalia Refugee Camp In Northern Gaza
Israel has yet to comment on the attack in Jabalia, a camp that has been under siege for weeks.
Although the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar sparked hopes for a potential end to the conflict, Hamas’ deputy leader warned that the group would only emerge stronger.
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U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking from Berlin after a meeting with European leaders, mentioned the possibility of moving towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in fighting Hezbollah, but said that achieving such a ceasefire in Gaza would be more challenging.
The Gaza government’s media office stated that Friday’s airstrike left over 85 injured, with some in critical condition, and that the final death toll could reach 50 as rescue efforts continue.
The situation in northern Gaza remains dire, with communications cut off. A video circulating online appears to show bodies wrapped in white shrouds at al-Awda Hospital, which has been overwhelmed by the number of casualties.
“Ambulance crews are still attempting to retrieve the martyrs and the wounded from Jabalia,” the director said.
“Our hospital wards are completely full and many injured individuals are receiving treatment on the floor.”
Reuters reported that the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza confirmed that at least 39 Palestinians, mostly from Jabalia, were killed by Israeli airstrikes on Friday before the most recent attack.
Over 400,000 people have been trapped inside the camp for more than two weeks, facing severe shortages of food and water.
Georgios Petropoulos, head of the UN’s Office for Humanitarian Assistance, told the BBC’s Newshour that conditions for families in Jabalia are “atrocious,” emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis.
“We can’t sound the alarm loudly enough about the desperate and dangerous situation civilians are facing,” he stated, speaking from Rafah in southern Gaza.
Israel reported that approximately 30 trucks carrying food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment were sent into northern Gaza on Friday.
However, local health officials informed Reuters that aid was not reaching the most affected areas like Jabalia.
Despite claims that aid is being provided, the U.S. has pressured Israel to improve access, warning that some military aid might be withheld if the humanitarian situation does not improve.
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Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli confirmed that northern Gaza, including Jabalia, had been blockaded. “We allowed civilians to escape into the safe zone and restricted supplies to the blockade area,” he said in an interview with the Newshour programme, maintaining that this action complies with international law.
Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel more than a year ago, the Gaza health ministry claims that over 42,500 people have died, with tens of thousands more injured.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas and its allies killed around 1,200 people in Israel and captured 251 hostages, taken to Gaza.
On Friday, Hamas deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya reiterated that hostages would not be released until Israel ends the war and withdraws.
Yahya Sinwar, held responsible for the October 7 attack, was reportedly killed in Rafah following Israeli military action.
An Israeli pathologist told U.S. media that Sinwar suffered fatal head wounds, with additional injuries to his forearm and leg due to missile fire and shrapnel.
Fighting in Lebanon also persisted on Friday, with Israel continuing ground operations against Hezbollah.
Israel claims to have killed 60 Hezbollah fighters and destroyed a regional command centre with an airstrike, while Hezbollah reported rocket attacks on Haifa and surrounding areas.
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