Continued Violence in Gaza: Casualties and Military Reinforcements
The situation in Gaza remains dire as Israeli forces continue their military operations in Jabalia, resulting in numerous casualties. Since dawn on October 18, 2024, air strikes and artillery shelling have intensified, leading to the deaths of several Palestinian citizens. Reports indicate that a Palestinian was killed near Jabalia al-Balad due to Israeli shelling targeting a gathering of civilians. Medical sources confirmed that at least two bodies were recovered from the rubble after the latest bombardments, with many more victims still trapped under debris.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported a significant escalation in violence, citing a massacre at the
Abu Hussein School,
which serves as a shelter for displaced individuals, where 25 people were killed and over 150 injured due to an Israeli airstrike. The ongoing military campaign has been marked by heavy artillery shelling in various neighborhoods, including Al-Zeitoun and Tal Al-Hawa, with civilian casualties reported across these areas.
Siege and Humanitarian Crisis in Jabalia
As the Israeli military operations escalate, the humanitarian crisis in Jabalia deepens. The Israeli army has fortified its presence in the region, deploying the Givati Brigade alongside the 162nd Division to intensify operations. For fourteen consecutive days, the area has been under a strict siege, severely limiting access to food and water for approximately 200,000 Palestinians. The siege has exacerbated the already critical conditions, with reports indicating that residents are deprived of basic necessities.
International calls for an end to the violence have been largely ignored, as the Israeli army continues its ground operations, marking the third such campaign in Jabalia since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023. The World Health Organization has also raised concerns about the blockade preventing medical specialists from entering Gaza, further hindering the delivery of essential healthcare services to the beleaguered population.
