The ongoing Israeli siege of northern Gaza has resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties, and senior Palestinian diplomats are raising alarms. The siege, particularly focused on the Jabalia refugee camp, has seen relentless bombardments.
According to Palestinian authorities, around 200 people have died in the recent Israeli operations, which started earlier this month. The situation has left hundreds of thousands of civilians either trapped in the conflict zone or forced to flee under dire conditions.
The Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Majed Bamya, described the situation as “a genocide within the genocide,” with specific mention of the devastation in northern Gaza. Reports from central and northern Gaza confirm that dozens more have been killed, including entire families in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Despite evacuation orders from Israel, many Palestinians remain trapped, unable to escape due to continued Israeli military blockades and strikes, leaving bodies in the streets and civil defense efforts severely hampered.
Northern Gaza is experiencing extreme devastation, with thousands of residents suffering from a lack of food, shelter, and safety. Desperation is evident as many refuse to leave their homes, fearing immediate danger from Israeli bombings.
Civilians in areas like Beit Lahiya and Jabalia report that Israeli forces are targeting infrastructure and residential areas, making survival increasingly difficult for those trapped in the region. The destruction of roads and buildings has made it almost impossible for civilians to escape or find necessary supplies.
The Israeli military, in its own statements, claims to have targeted numerous Hamas fighters and military assets in the strikes. However, the civilian toll continues to rise, with Palestinian media reporting casualties from Israeli shelling and airstrikes in multiple areas.
Alongside the destruction of homes and neighborhoods in Jabalia, explosions and the razing of civilian homes have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Hamas, through its representative in Lebanon, has accused Israel of committing “crimes against humanity,” pointing to the blockade on essential food supplies.
International observers, including UN officials, have condemned Israel’s actions, accusing the country of committing war crimes under the Rome Statute by intentionally starving civilians and blocking essential relief supplies.
The UN special rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, called the situation in Gaza a massacre and criticized the global inability to halt the ongoing violence. The crisis continues to intensify, with no clear end in sight and growing concerns over the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s population.