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Israel’s Assault on Beit Lahiya: Over 87 Casualties Amid Ongoing Siege of Northern Gaza
Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahiya have resulted in at least 87 casualties as the military intensifies its assault on northern Gaza. The UN warns of humanitarian crises as evacuation orders trap civilians.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-21
Israel’s Assault on Beit Lahiya: Over 87 Casualties Amid Ongoing Siege of Northern Gaza

Israel's military campaign in northern Gaza escalated significantly over the weekend, with airstrikes targeting residential buildings in Beit Lahiya, resulting in at least 87 people killed or reported missing, according to the Government Media Office. The ongoing assault, which began on October 6, aims to dismantle what Israel describes as Hamas' military infrastructure but has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis affecting civilians.

 

The Situation in Northern Gaza

Since laying siege to northern Gaza, Israeli forces have conducted relentless airstrikes, leading to numerous civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The Israeli army's Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, justified the military actions, claiming that Hamas exploits the local population and infrastructure as human shields.

 

In a series of evacuation orders affecting approximately 400,000 residents in areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoon, Israel has urged civilians to flee south. However, many remain trapped amidst the bombardments, with reports of Israeli snipers and ground troops preventing safe passage. Local residents describe the situation as dire, with one stating, "We feel like we’re bodies without souls... Bodies are left in the streets."

 

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

The UN and humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that no place in Gaza is safe, as attacks continue even in designated humanitarian zones. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has cautioned that forcibly transferring large populations from northern Gaza could constitute a war crime.

 

Food and medical supplies have dwindled, with no humanitarian aid entering the north since October 2. James Smith, an emergency doctor recently returned from Gaza, reported that access to the region has been severely restricted, complicating efforts to assist those in need. He noted that many aid convoys attempting to reach northern Gaza were denied access by Israeli military checkpoints.

 

Medical Facilities Under Siege

Only three hospitals in northern Gaza—al-Awda, Indonesian, and Kamal Adwan—remain partially operational amidst the chaos. However, these facilities have faced relentless bombardment, causing significant disruptions to healthcare delivery. Reports indicate that power outages and a lack of medical supplies have led to patient deaths in hospitals unable to function effectively under siege.

 

Despite evacuation orders, medical staff at these hospitals have remained, prioritizing patient care amid grave risks to their safety. The Israeli military has denied restricting aid supplies, asserting that humanitarian aid has been flowing into Gaza; however, local officials and the Government Media Office have dismissed these claims as false.

 

Conclusion

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, with growing concerns over the humanitarian impact of Israel's military operations in northern Gaza. With casualties rising and aid efforts severely hindered, urgent calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention are becoming increasingly vital.

 
Tagged:

Israel

Gaza

HumanRights

HumanitarianCrisis

MiddleEast
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