What's happened
As Israeli military operations intensify in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, over 400,000 residents remain trapped amid evacuation orders. Humanitarian conditions worsen, with hospitals and aid services struggling to operate. The death toll has surpassed 42,000 since the conflict began, raising alarms from international agencies about the dire situation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner, stated, "At least 400,000 people are trapped in the area," highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. The Guardian echoed this sentiment, noting that many residents refuse to evacuate, understanding that "no place anywhere in Gaza is safe." Meanwhile, reports from The Independent emphasize the risks faced by hospitals, with the Gaza health ministry warning that "the lives of dozens of patients are at risk because of the Israeli siege around those hospitals." This multifaceted crisis illustrates the conflicting narratives surrounding military objectives and humanitarian needs.
How we got here
The current escalation follows a year of conflict initiated by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel's military response has led to extensive destruction and displacement in Gaza, with Jabaliya becoming a focal point of recent operations aimed at dismantling Hamas's presence.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Gaza may refer to:
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Jabalia also Jabalya is a Palestinian city located 4 kilometers north of Gaza City. It is under the jurisdiction of the North Gaza Governorate, in the Gaza Strip.