Israeli Forces Tighten Gaza Siege, Distribute Leaflets Targeting Hamas Leadership
Israeli Planes Drop Leaflets Over Southern Gaza
On Saturday, Israeli forces dropped leaflets over southern Gaza featuring an image of deceased Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar along with a message in Arabic stating, “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.” Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, has been a key player in the ongoing conflict. The leaflet, addressed to residents of Khan Younis, warned that those who surrender their weapons and release hostages would be allowed to live peacefully. This move follows the killing of Sinwar by Israeli forces earlier in the week near Rafah, a city on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. Sinwar had orchestrated the deadly October 7 attacks on Israeli communities, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 253 others, according to Israeli officials.
Escalating Israeli Strikes and Rising Casualties in Gaza
The Israeli military has intensified its air campaign, with strikes killing at least 35 people across Gaza on Saturday. These attacks occur amidst a broader Israeli siege of the northern enclave, particularly around Jabalia, where hospitals have been encircled, preventing medical and food supplies from reaching those in need.
In the central Gaza Strip, an Israeli strike on a home in the Al-Maghzai camp killed 11 people, while another attack in the nearby Nuseirat camp claimed four lives. Additionally, seven Palestinians were killed in the Shati camp in northern Gaza. Medics reported further casualties later in the day, including three Palestinians killed in Nuseirat.
Israeli forces continue their operations against Hamas across Gaza, reportedly killing several gunmen and dismantling Hamas infrastructure in Rafah and Jabalia. However, the intense bombardment has devastated civilian areas, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 42,500 deaths since the conflict began, with an estimated 10,000 still missing beneath the rubble.
Israeli Siege of Jabalia Camp and Hospitals
The siege on Jabalia, one of Gaza’s largest refugee camps, is tightening as Israeli tanks move into nearby towns. Residents have been issued evacuation orders, which Israeli officials claim are intended to separate Hamas fighters from civilians. However, the situation remains dire, with reports of shelters being stormed and dozens of men detained by Israeli forces.
Health officials in Gaza report that hospitals in Jabalia are being bombed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military denies targeting medical facilities, asserting that their forces have been instructed to minimize harm to civilians and infrastructure. Nonetheless, the Gaza health ministry has accused Israel of deliberately trying to incapacitate critical hospitals by surrounding them and cutting off access to vital supplies. Two patients in intensive care reportedly died due to power outages and a lack of medical equipment at the besieged Indonesian Hospital.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The Israeli military’s siege of Gaza has triggered warnings of a severe humanitarian crisis. The continued blockade of hospitals and essential services has raised significant international concerns. Health officials warn that the situation will worsen unless aid is allowed into the northern Gaza Strip. Despite the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces insist that their operations are aimed solely at Hamas targets while attempting to avoid civilian casualties.
As the conflict escalates, both sides brace for what is becoming an increasingly deadly and drawn-out war. Civilians on both sides continue to bear the brunt of the violence, a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of this conflict.