Israeli Operations
- Over the last two weeks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been carrying out a ground campaign in the northern Gaza Strip, asserting that Hamas militants have regrouped there. According to the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) Health Ministry, “at least 450 people have been killed” with thousands more running out of food, water, and medicine. Israeli ballistic missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, coupled with the siege of medical centers like the Indonesian Hospital, have resulted in a critical state for the health sector, which is nearing the point of collapse.
- On Sunday, October 20, the PA’s Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that a “genocide is unfolding in northern Gaza in its clearest form, in full view of the world.” The statement references the disruption of electricity services, which has resulted in a widespread blackout that has forced civilians to evacuate amidst relentless bombardment or face extreme danger.
- “Israel has stepped up its indiscriminate assault in the past week focusing particularly on Jabalia and Beit Lahiya and preventing critical aid from reaching” civilians in these densely packed cities.
- Israeli bombardment on the city of Beit Lahiya has left civilians trapped under rubble with no adequate resources and medical personnel to assist patients.
- The IDF has reported that its forces have dismantled infrastructure and tunnel shafts of Hamas militants and engaged in combat operations, resulting in the deaths of alleged combatants in Jabalia.
- The military has stated that it facilitated the safe evacuation of thousands of civilians through established routes, information that runs contrary to that of the UN aid agency, while reporting that Hamas militants are reportedly shooting civilians attempting to evacuate.
- “An aerial assault and ground invasion on Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp [on] Monday,” October 21, led to the destruction of residential and educational structures and the deaths of at least 18 civilians.
- Israel has reportedly communicated with the international community and Gaza’s healthcare system to ensure the continued operation of hospital emergency services.
Recent Escalations
- Israeli Merkava tanks were utilized to shell the Zayd ibn Harith school in northern Gaza, which provided shelter for civilians. The death toll is currently estimated to be around seven.
- The PA’s Health Ministry released a statement revealing that medical equipment has not entered northern Gaza for 18 days due to the IDF’s blocking of international aid convoys.
- “Water supply at the Jabalia refugee camp… ran out entirely on Tuesday, [October 22], according to the UN’s main agency there.”
(Banner image: IDF)
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