In the latest escalation, at least 93 people have been reported dead or missing following an Israeli air strike on the town of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. A five-story residential building was struck, and the casualties are heavy. Videos from the scene show rows of bodies covered by blankets, illustrating the scale of devastation. Israel has not commented on the incident yet, but in the past few weeks, its military operations have intensified in northern Gaza, where it launched targeted operations in areas like Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoun.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with Gaza facing critical shortages of medical supplies, water, and food due to the blockade. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalia, already overwhelmed by the number of injured, faces critical shortages of resources, especially after IDF personnel allegedly detained some of its staff last week on suspicion of Hamas using the hospital for militant activities.
The situation for civilians is still grim as thousands are reported dead by the UN and international organizations in Gaza since Israel’s operation began. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has condemned the situation, saying that the civilian population and displaced persons in shelters are becoming more and more vulnerable. The recent shutdown of UNRWA’s operations by Israel’s parliament will strain humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, making the situation worse for the affected victims of the war.
The Israeli operation is a result of Hamas attacks against Israel that occurred earlier this month of October. The two parties have been in fierce fighting, which has alarmed the international community and led to demands from world bodies such as the UN Security Council for a ceasefire.
