Israel's Military Operations in Jabalia: Casualties and Ongoing Conflict
The Israeli army has confirmed the death of 29 soldiers since the commencement of its military operations in Jabalia, located in the northern Gaza Strip. Among the casualties is 19-year-old Ron Epstein, a first sergeant from the Tsbar Battalion, who died due to an explosive device explosion during combat on Thursday. This acknowledgment comes amidst reports from various Israeli media outlets detailing the ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance groups, particularly Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the deaths of 15 Israeli soldiers during a recent confrontation in the Beit Lahia Square area. They stated that their fighters engaged the Israeli forces at close range, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the Al-Quds Brigades reported mortar shelling targeting Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Jabalia, further illustrating the persistent violence in the region.
As the conflict escalates, the Israeli military has deployed three brigades from the 162nd Division to Jabalia, which has been under siege for 48 days. The situation remains dire, with Palestinian sources estimating over 148,000 casualties, including a significant number of women and children, since the onset of Israel's military campaign on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by a blockade that restricts access to essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine.
