Mass Casualties Reported as Israeli Forces Attack Northern Gaza

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
25/10/2024 20h59

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In a severe escalation of hostilities, Israeli soldiers launched a full-scale assault on Jabaliya in northern Gaza earlier today. The offensive led to the destruction of a dozen residential buildings, contributing to what Gaza officials have labeled a "major massacre." Reports suggest that more than 150 people have been killed or injured in the attack.

The humanitarian crisis further deepened late Thursday when Israeli forces stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital, expelling both patients and staff. The hospital had already been besieged and shelled, rendering it one of the last operational medical facilities in the area. As a result of the incursion, numerous arrests were made, and doctors reported tragic deaths of infants and children who were cut off from their oxygen supplies. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director, called the situation catastrophic, noting that there are no remaining facilities in northern Gaza capable of treating patients.

Adding to the ongoing distress, displaced mothers in northern Gaza have issued pleas to the global community, urging the resumption of the polio vaccination campaign for children. The World Health Organization announced that the campaign had been postponed due to Israeli attacks and the subsequent lack of access. Hanan Hemeda, a local mother, warned of the dire consequences if the vaccination efforts are not resumed, expressing the fear that children could be paralyzed and rendered immobile.

In an interview with Democracy Now!, Dr. Mohammed Salha, the acting director of Al-Awda Hospital in the Jabaliya refugee camp, detailed the dire circumstances on the ground. He reported that Al-Awda Hospital has been under siege for 20 days, with tanks surrounding the facility and bombings targeting inpatient departments and water tanks. The hospital, which houses 43 patients, is now facing severe shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and even basic necessities like food and clean water.

Dr. Salha made an urgent plea to international organizations, including the World Health Organization and U.N. agencies, to intervene and provide the necessary aid to alleviate the crisis. He described a harrowing scene of people dying and injured in the streets, with no means to rescue them.

Efforts to reach Dr. Salha for an updated interview were unsuccessful, reflecting the ongoing communication challenges and the deteriorating situation in northern Gaza.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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