Amid renewed ceasefire talks, the Israeli military has intensified its siege of northern Gaza and continued its attacks across the region.
The Israeli military’s siege of northern Gaza has left around 5,000 Palestinians dead or missing after 100 days of escalating attacks. The operation, which began in early October, has also resulted in over 9,500 injuries. The Gaza Government Media Office has condemned the siege, describing it as a horrific form of ethnic cleansing, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
The devastation in northern Gaza has turned areas into rubble, with some residents refusing to leave despite the ongoing violence. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported from Deir el-Balah, noting that Palestinians are being systematically targeted across the strip, including at schools, shelters, and even hospitals.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, a key medical facility in the north, was destroyed by Israeli forces in late December, and its director’s fate remains unknown. Despite the ongoing siege and the threat of settlement expansion, Israeli military operations continue unabated, with multiple civilian areas being hit by airstrikes.
The situation is particularly dire for children, with Gaza’s Civil Defence reporting that at least 70 children have been killed in just the last five days. Israeli military forces also issued new evacuation orders for residential areas in Gaza, with dire warnings for those who remain.
In the midst of escalating violence, ceasefire talks continue, with US and Israeli officials negotiating the release of captives held in Gaza. However, Israeli leaders have made clear that military control over the region will persist even if a deal is reached. Despite significant protests in Israel calling for a resolution, opposition within the Israeli government, particularly from far-right ministers, remains a significant obstacle.
The humanitarian crisis deepens, with the Israeli military blocking most aid from entering Gaza, exacerbating already dire conditions. The UN has reported that nearly all of Gaza’s 1.1 million children require mental health support due to the ongoing trauma. The UN also estimates that at least 19,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned since the start of the conflict.
As of Sunday, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that over 46,500 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more injured, and the situation continues to worsen with each passing day.
