Israel Intensifies Strikes in Northern Gaza, Orders Evacuations in South

Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday killed at least 14 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to medics, as the military continued its operations against Hamas in the densely populated enclave. The strikes primarily targeted the northern town of Beit Lahiya, where eight people were reported killed, with additional casualties in Gaza City and Jabalia, a refugee camp in northern Gaza.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their operations aim to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping in northern Gaza, which has been a focal point of the conflict since October. The IDF claims to have killed hundreds of militants in areas such as Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia. Meanwhile, Hamas and Islamic Jihad report that their fighters have killed several Israeli soldiers in ambushes.

The ongoing conflict has severely strained Gaza’s infrastructure. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reports that its operations in northern Gaza have been crippled for nearly four weeks due to fuel shortages and attacks on its personnel. Since the war began, 88 emergency workers have been killed, 304 injured, and 21 detained, according to the service.

Fuel shortages have also grounded nearly half of the service’s vehicles in central and southern Gaza. This exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation, with Gaza’s health and emergency response systems struggling to cope.

The Israeli military campaign began after Hamas-led militants launched a large-scale attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli officials. The ensuing Israeli response has killed more than 44,400 Palestinians, with thousands more injured and large portions of Gaza reduced to rubble.

Israel has issued new evacuation orders for areas in southern Gaza, intensifying concerns over displacement. Palestinians accuse Israel of using forced evacuations and bombings to create a buffer zone in northern Gaza, an allegation Israel denies.

The conflict continues to draw international attention as the humanitarian toll mounts. Calls for a ceasefire and increased aid access persist, but the violence shows no sign of abating as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

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