Intensifying Conflict in Gaza: Israel Strikes Northern District, Orthodox Church, and Evacuations Continue
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel leveled a northern Gaza district, giving families only a half-hour warning to evacuate. They also targeted an Orthodox Christian church where people were seeking shelter, highlighting the anticipation of a potential command to invade Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who recently returned from a trip to Israel to show support, delivered a televised speech urging Americans to allocate additional funding to help Israel combat Hamas, a group he accused of seeking to “annihilate” Israel’s democracy.
Israel has pledged to eliminate the Hamas Islamist group ruling Gaza, following their incursion through the barrier fence around the enclave on October 7, resulting in significant casualties, including over 1,400 deaths, mainly civilians.
The Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, told troops at the Gaza border that they would soon receive orders to enter Gaza, underlining the gravity of the situation.
As the conflict continues, Israel has subjected Gaza to extensive airstrikes and imposed a total siege, which includes restricting the shipment of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medical resources. Palestinian officials report that since October 7, 3,785 Palestinians have been killed, including over 1,500 children, with more than a million people displaced, according to the United Nations.
Israel has called on all civilians to evacuate the northern half of the Gaza Strip, encompassing Gaza City, due to impending military action. However, many residents remain, expressing fears of losing everything and lacking a safe place to go, as southern areas are also under attack.
In a distressing development, an Orthodox Christian church in Gaza City was struck by Israeli forces. The church had provided sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims seeking refuge. Reports indicate casualties among those sheltering in the church, and the incident has been strongly condemned by the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Israel’s military stated that the church was damaged in a strike on a militant command center and is currently reviewing the incident.
In a separate incident, a northern Gaza town, Zahra, was razed to the ground after residents received warnings on their mobile phones, followed by a drone strike and then airstrikes, causing massive destruction and displacement.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with a high number of damaged or destroyed homes and ongoing hostilities. In addition to the crisis in Gaza, clashes have erupted in the West Bank, resulting in casualties, including children, as Israeli troops carried out raids and airstrikes. Diplomats are concerned that the conflict could spread to other regions.
Furthermore, the conflict has extended to the northern border with Lebanon, where tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated. The clashes have been among the deadliest since the 2006 war between the two parties.
In a broader context, the Pentagon reported that a U.S. Navy warship intercepted missiles and drones launched by the Houthi movement in Yemen, which could have been aimed at Israel. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, shares some similarities with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which are also supported by Iran.
While Western leaders have predominantly expressed support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas, there is growing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. President Biden, in his address, acknowledged the suffering of innocent Palestinians and their desire for peace and opportunity. He also highlighted the need for aid to reach Gaza but noted that Israel’s condition for allowing aid to flow remains unresolved, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the conflict.
The situation remains fluid and is causing immense suffering and displacement for civilians in the region, with international efforts ongoing to address the crisis.
- inputs from News Agencies
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