Gaza’s civil defense authorities reported that a recent Israeli attack claimed the lives of 30 individuals, including 13 children, following strikes on two homes in the northern region of the Palestinian territory.
The first airstrike occurred early today in Jabalia, a northern Gaza town, where initial reports indicated “at least 25” fatalities, among them the 13 children. More than 30 individuals sustained injuries, as noted by the civil defense.
Since October 6, the Israeli military has unleashed a relentless bombardment, both aerial and ground-based, targeting northern Gaza, which includes Jabalia. Their stated mission is to thwart Hamas militants from regrouping in those areas.
A second strike in the Sabra district of Gaza City resulted in five deaths, with several more individuals unaccounted for in the chaotic aftermath, according to civil defense reports.
When reached by AFP for comment, the Israeli military indicated that they were “looking into the reports” surrounding the airstrikes.
For additional context, the current hostilities in Gaza began following Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which reportedly led to a tragic death toll of 1,206, primarily among civilians, based on an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
The ensuing military response from Israel has been devastating, resulting in the deaths of approximately 43,552 individuals in Gaza, with a vast majority identified as civilians, according to figures published by the Hamas-run health ministry. The United Nations has labeled these statistics as credible.
On Friday, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) condemned the staggering civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict, noting that women and children represent nearly 70 percent of the verified fatalities.
“Civilians in Gaza have borne the brunt of the attacks, particularly during the initial ‘complete siege’ imposed by Israeli forces,” the OHCHR stated. “The conduct of Israeli forces has resulted in unprecedented levels of death, injury, starvation, illness, and disease.”
In response, Israel’s mission to the UN in Geneva firmly rejected the report, accusing the OHCHR of harboring a “deep-seated obsession with the demonization of Israel.”
The heads of UN agencies early in November described northern Gaza as being “under siege,” highlighting the lack of “basic aid and lifesaving supplies” available to the beleaguered population.
Notably, the United States, Israel’s primary military ally, voiced concerns on October 15, threatening to reconsider portions of its substantial military aid unless Israel improved assistance delivery to Gaza within a 30-day window.
As that deadline looms, there is little indication of an improvement in humanitarian conditions. A recent UN-backed assessment sounded alarms about an impending famine in northern Gaza.
Reports from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicate that the volume of aid allowed into the Gaza Strip has plunged to its lowest levels since the onset of the conflict in October.
Furthermore, a warning from the Famine Review Committee has suggested a “substantial likelihood of famine occurring” as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. However, the Israeli military has cast doubt on the credibility of this report.
The suffering inflicted on the civilians of Gaza amid this turmoil is a heart-wrenching reality, revealing the desperate need for a thoughtful resolution to hostilities that continue to escalate with each passing day. As the world watches, it is crucial to address not only the immediate humanitarian needs but also the long-term implications of such violent conflicts.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
