Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Jabalia
In Jabalia, Gaza, a family is facing a life-threatening situation as they have gone without food or water for four days due to the ongoing Israeli military operations. Abu Jamal Saleh, a resident of the area, described the harrowing scene of his neighbor, Dr. Nasser Hamouda, and his son Ahmed, who were shot by Israeli snipers while attempting to find water. Saleh lamented, "The body of Dr. Hamouda and his son have been lying in the street since last Wednesday, and dogs and cats are gnawing at them."
The situation has escalated over the past two weeks, with Israeli forces conducting relentless attacks that have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians. The residents of Jabalia, including Saleh's family, have been trapped in their homes, unable to access basic necessities such as food and clean water. Saleh reported that his household of 20 individuals, including children and women, has not eaten or drunk anything for four days, relying on dirty water and food scavenged from garbage in the past.
Desperate Appeals for Help
As the situation deteriorates, Saleh and his sister Amna have made urgent appeals for assistance, calling upon Arab countries, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations to intervene. Amna stated, "We are tired, brother, we are tired, we can't do it, save us, help us, we have 20 children, we can't feed them or give them water."
The emotional toll on families is immense, with children suffering from extreme exhaustion and two in critical condition. The threat of violence looms large, as residents fear leaving their homes to search for food or water, knowing that Israeli forces have shot at those who venture outside. Amna recounted a tragic incident where a disabled girl from a neighboring family was shot and buried by a bulldozer after calling for help, highlighting the brutal reality faced by civilians in the area.
Ongoing Violence and Civilian Casualties
The violence in Jabalia is part of a broader pattern of aggression in the northern Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces have deployed drones and snipers to target unarmed civilians. Saleh noted the presence of small drones that patrol the streets, shooting at citizens without warning. He estimated that around 40 bodies of martyrs lie in the streets, unable to be recovered due to the ongoing violence.
The current crisis in Jabalia underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and intervention to protect the lives of innocent civilians caught in the conflict. As the suffering continues, families like that of Abu Jamal Saleh remain in desperate need of food, water, and safety.
