Israeli Strikes Kill 29 in Gaza as Conflict Intensifies in Jabalia

Israeli Military Strikes in Gaza: 29 Palestinians Killed Amid Escalation in Jabalia

Gaza, October 13, 2024 — Ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday have resulted in the deaths of at least 29 Palestinians, according to local medical sources. As the Israeli military pushes deeper into the densely populated Jabalia area, international relief agencies warn that thousands of civilians remain trapped.

Jabalia Refugee Camp Under Attack

Residents report continued heavy bombardment in Jabalia, Gaza's largest refugee camp located in the northern part of the enclave. Israeli forces have been targeting this region by both air and ground assaults.

The situation remains dire as medics confirmed that 19 Palestinians were killed overnight, with another 10 fatalities following strikes on homes in Jabalia and the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza on Saturday evening. Many of the wounded are in critical condition, leading officials to fear that the death toll will rise.

Israeli Evacuation Orders Amid Ongoing Conflict

On Saturday, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders to residents in two neighborhoods on the northern edge of Gaza City, declaring the area a "dangerous combat zone." The military has accused Hamas fighters of using civilian infrastructure as shields, with recent operations uncovering weapons and dismantling militant facilities.

Israeli officials stated that clear evacuation instructions had been provided, including for patients at Kamal Adwan Hospital. An evacuation convoy successfully transported patients and delivered much-needed fuel to the hospital on Saturday.

Escalation in Fighting, Dozens of Militants Killed

According to the Israeli military, forces engaged in combat throughout Gaza reportedly killed over 20 Hamas fighters on Saturday alone. Tank fire, close-range gunfire, and airstrikes have been used in these operations, which have continued for more than a week. The campaign aims to disrupt Hamas operations and prevent the group from regrouping, though Hamas denies that its fighters use civilian areas as bases.

Palestinian health officials estimate that around 150 people have been killed in Jabalia over the past week.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: Food, Fuel, and Medical Shortages

As the conflict rages on, Palestinian and United Nations officials have voiced urgent concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza\. Severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies have been reported, particularly in northern Gaza. The risk of famine looms, as humanitarian access remains limited.

The Israeli military campaign, aimed at neutralizing Hamas, has resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths since its onset a year ago, according to Gaza's health ministry. This conflict erupted following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of approximately 250 hostages.

International Response and Vaccination Campaigns Affected

The violence has not only claimed lives but also disrupted essential services. United Nations officials expressed concern that ongoing military operations and evacuation orders in northern Gaza could hinder the second phase of a polio vaccination campaign, which is scheduled to start next week. The campaign, organized by Gaza’s health ministry, will begin in central Gaza on Monday and last for three days, before expanding to other regions.

Humanitarian pauses are expected during the vaccination campaign, enabling aid workers to reach hundreds of thousands of children.