More than 400 Palestinians have been killed in northern Gaza in the past two weeks as Israel intensifies its military offensive against Hamas, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The Israeli assault, which began on October 6, has led to widespread devastation, displacing tens of thousands of people.
The operation has focused heavily on northern areas, including Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. Gaza civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal said that bodies are still being recovered, with dozens remaining in the streets of Jabalia due to continuous Israeli shelling. Bassal noted that the total death toll in northern Gaza now surpasses 400, including victims from airstrikes and artillery fire.
Bassal added that many of the dead are women, children, and the elderly. The victims have been transported to nearby hospitals, such as Kamal Adwan, Al-Awda, and the Indonesian hospital. Rescue efforts are being hampered by communication blackouts in several areas, preventing teams from reaching bombed sites and limiting citizens' ability to call for help.
The Israeli military has defended its campaign, claiming it is targeting Hamas militants embedded in civilian areas. The military has also reported eliminating "dozens of terrorists" in recent operations, particularly around Jabalia. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that close-quarters fighting and airstrikes have neutralized several militants, but humanitarian agencies warn of an escalating crisis as the offensive continues.
Israel's military asserts that Hamas is preventing civilians from evacuating the conflict zone, complicating efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the international community is raising alarms about the growing humanitarian toll in Gaza, urging immediate measures to protect civilians and provide aid.
The Israeli offensive shows no signs of abating as the conflict enters its third week, with fears of further devastation in the coming days.
The operation has focused heavily on northern areas, including Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. Gaza civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal said that bodies are still being recovered, with dozens remaining in the streets of Jabalia due to continuous Israeli shelling. Bassal noted that the total death toll in northern Gaza now surpasses 400, including victims from airstrikes and artillery fire.
Bassal added that many of the dead are women, children, and the elderly. The victims have been transported to nearby hospitals, such as Kamal Adwan, Al-Awda, and the Indonesian hospital. Rescue efforts are being hampered by communication blackouts in several areas, preventing teams from reaching bombed sites and limiting citizens' ability to call for help.
The Israeli military has defended its campaign, claiming it is targeting Hamas militants embedded in civilian areas. The military has also reported eliminating "dozens of terrorists" in recent operations, particularly around Jabalia. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that close-quarters fighting and airstrikes have neutralized several militants, but humanitarian agencies warn of an escalating crisis as the offensive continues.
Israel's military asserts that Hamas is preventing civilians from evacuating the conflict zone, complicating efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the international community is raising alarms about the growing humanitarian toll in Gaza, urging immediate measures to protect civilians and provide aid.
The Israeli offensive shows no signs of abating as the conflict enters its third week, with fears of further devastation in the coming days.
